Nothing But The Truth By: AVI(70)

New Book!

Summary:
In this new book a boy by the name of Philip Malloy has a huge conflict with his English and now homeroom teacher Miss Narwin. Before she was his homeroom teacher, she was his English teacher. Originally they never got along because, according to him, she has it in for him. He always gets in trouble in her class, and rarely does work and for that reason he received a D for the term. In his eyes, he studies but never understands the material, he tries to explain to her but she never understands him. Its though they just will never get each other. In homeroom the students have to stay quite and listen to the tape recording of the national anthem being played on the intercom. Philip, instead of staying quiet, begins to hum along with the anthem. Miss.Narwin asks him to stop a few times, and he did not stop.The first day nothing happened, but the next he was sent to the office. Where he was told that his behavior was against the rules because he was to stay quiet during that time.  He went home and tried to tell his parents while they continued to interrupt him. When he finally did tell them, they were confused as to why singing the anthem would get him into any trouble since it was patriotic.

On the other hand there is Philip's family. His mother and father notice that something is wrong with their son. Philip was supposed to be on the track team, but cannot tryout because of that D in english, now his parents do not know this. Instead, Philip has made them believe that he no longer wants to try out. Mrs. Malloy feels that her son is not receiving support from his father, her husband, Mr. Malloy. Listening to his wife he tries to reach out to Philip. He tells Philip that he and Mrs. Malloy are on his side, and that he should stay strong and fight for his rights.

Lastly there is a girl by the name of Allison Doresett who likes Philip, however is not able to get to know him nor increase her interest in him because of how he is acting. Philip is too busy with these school problems that he puts no effort into building a friendship with Allison, and notices this once she is completely turned off. He always says the wrong thing, and expresses himself in the wrong way, making it seem like he has not one bit of interest for this girl. She is slowly being pushed away, and began testing the waters with another guy.

Quote:
"Lots of kids bad-mouth their parents, say they never stick up for them or understand them. Or pay any attention to them . Stuff like that. My parents are different. I'm lucky"(AVI 70).

Reaction:
In this quote Philip is writing in his diary, after his father told him that his parents were going to support him in his problem with Miss. Narwin. However, I see it as his father saying what his mother would like him to say. She asked for him to be supportive, so instead of listening to his son, to see how his son was feeling, he simply said that he will be supportive. Actions speak louder than words.