Short Story by John Updike. A young supermarket employee resigns when his manager humiliates three girls he thinks aren't dressed appropriately and rudely asks them to leave the store. Is the boy as righteous as he makes out, or could there be another reason for his “heroism”?
Short Stories by Katherine Mansfield and Witi Ihimaera. Two sisters are shunned and teased by other children because of their mother’s lowly job. In the sequel, one of them has achieved success far beyond any other student from their school and is guest of honor at the school’s centenary.
Short Story by Edwidge Danticat. Out of curiosity, an Americanised Haitian woman secretly follows her mother through the streets of central Manhattan after coming across her window shopping in expensive stores. The mother’s presence in Manhattan and confidence in navigating the crowded streets is a surprise, as is her destination.
Short Story by Barbara Baynton. A graphic picture of the isolation and dangers faced by women living in 19th century ‘outback’ Australia. A ‘swagman’ traveling the countryside looking for work visits a woman on a farm whose husband is away. Things end badly for the woman and her baby.
Young Adult Story by Julia Alvarez. A ninth-grader, whose mother tries to become rich by inventing improved household gadgets, writes an inspired but controversial Teacher’s Day speech. Her father, whose family suffered bloody repression in the Dominican Republic, ironically tears up the speech and demands a traditional, more respectful approach.