¶ … Dismissed
Author Meredith Maran, in Class Dismissed, chooses three teenagers that reflect the racial and economic diversity of the students she studied at Berkeley High. While the main characters studied, Keith, Autumn and Jordan, come from different backgrounds, they all encounter unique challenges to achieving their dreams.
Keith is a talented and popular black football star, but isn't noted for his academic skills. In fact, he can barely read. He comes from a poor family and has relied on teachers and coaches for support. Keith's run in with the police clearly illustrates his frustrations with society and his feelings of unfairness in the world. His dream is to become is to play football in college and to make the sport his professional career.
Autumn is a true survivor. Her white father abandoned her black mother when she was only ten years old. She has had to work hard to compensate for the single parent household. She has a job after school to help with the family finances and plays a significant role in raising her two little brothers. Despite these obstacles, Autumn does very well in school. She would like to go to college, but doesn't know how she will be able to afford to do so.
At first glance, Jordan has it made. He is an affluent Caucasian bound for college and is accepted by his peer group. And, he has a good relationship with his mother. Yet, Jordan has also had his share of challenges. His father died from a drug overdose a year earlier, leaving Jordan depressed and apathetic. A bureaucratic screw up has caused the wrong grades to be sent to his top school options, causing his rejection.
Different racial and economic backgrounds have not shielded Keith, Autumn or Jordan from the issues that make it so difficult for a teenager to succeed later in life. They all have to deal with family, self-image, and academic performance and must ultimately rely on their own inner strength to get by.
