A young girl just recently moved to Nashville, Tennessee, from Wisconsin shares her story. (She earlier wrote about her new-found friend, Ronee' Le-Anne Reaux, who is 10 and is disabled.)
My name is America Freedom Powell, and I am 9 years of age. I have lived here in Nashville, Tennessee, for nearly a month now. I have brown hair and hazel eyes, and I am half-black, half-white. (My daddy is black, and my mom is white.)
I am slowly getting used to my new home and surroundings; but it isn't easy. But what IS making it easier is the fact that I made a new friend, Ronee' Le-Anne Reaux, who is a year older than me (but looks younger; she is a lot shorter than I am; she looks to be about six). I met her a few weeks ago from school, and we have become good friends!
I live here in Tennessee, on Mockingbird Terrace, with my parents, George and Melba; and I have a little brother, Tyrus, who is 3. I also have a cousin, Yolande, who is 11, who is staying with us while her mother is in the hospital for cancer treatments. I also have a dog named "Scooter".
I lived all my life in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but then last month, we moved here to Nashville, Tennessee, on account of dad's job. (Dad is a lawyer, and he got a very lucrative job offer that he couldn't pass up. So, as a result, we are now here in Tennessee.) It is a lot different (it isn't as cold here as it is back in Wisconsin), and there are more hills and stuff; plus a lot of the people talk funny, but they are okay otherwise.
Some of my hobbies and interests include writing stories and poems, singing, reading (I love the "Harry Potter" books), dancing (modern ballet and jazz), and playing with my dog, "Scooter" (he is a Pomeranian). I also love to rollerblade and play soccer. I wish my friend could play soccer or go rollerblading with me, but she can't. You see, she is handicapped. She can't walk without crutches or leg braces; she has arthritis and is often in a lot of pain. You can see it in her eyes. She also has asthma and takes medication for both her asthma and arthritis. To think that Ronee' can't go rollerblading or play sports makes me sad because I feel she is missing out, but she still seems happy. She loves life, and she loves to sing (and brother, when she sings, you KNOW it! She has a great voice!). She also loves Jesus Christ and isn't ashamed to say so! (Yes, she and her family go to church every week.)
I am in the fourth grade at Eastview Elementary, and I am in the "Kaleidoscope" G/T (Gifted/Talented) Program at school. I do well in all of my classes; and my new teacher's name is Mrs. Potter. She is really nice, and she has done her best to make me feel welcome at my new school. I am still a little shy, but I at least have it easier now, thanks to Mrs. Potter and my new friend, Ronee' Reaux! :)
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Reviewed by Debbie Atwood
5/6/2003
Your story has a nice beginning, but not an end...I hope there is a sequel and that you won't keep me waiting too long. You surely are a prolific writer.
