The Fitting-in of Suzy Khan

The first time I saw Suzy Khan, I knew I had to help her. She was really small for her age of 12. The boys in my class often 1  about her and laughed their heads off. She would open a book, pretending to read, with tears dropping on the open page.

All I knew was that she was an orphan (孤儿) from Africa. She had just been adopted by a family in town who 2  that the best way for her to learn American ways of life was to be with American kids. I looked down at this 3  girl and promised myself that somehow I would help her.

But how could I help her 4  in with us? There had to be a 5  .

One day, when I went into the classroom, I saw that Suzy had 6  her geography book to a picture of a train, and in her notebook, she had made a(n) 7  copy.

I was surprised and thought that she could do something in the coming 8 show. So, I took her to see the art teacher, Miss Parker, and showed her what Suzy had 9 . "why, it's wonderful," said Miss Parker, who then showed us a poster she had painted 10 the talent show. "I need more of these, but I just don't have enough 11 . Could you help me, Suzy?"

On the day of the talent show, Suzy's 12 were everywhere — all over the hall and all over the school, each one different.

"And finally," said Mr Brown, the schoolmaster, at the end of the show, "we have a (n) 13 award. I'm sure you've all noticed the wonderful posters." Everyone nodded. "One of our own students 14 them."

I could hear everyone whispering. "Who in our school could draw 15 well?"

Mr. Brown waited a while before saying, " 16 this student worked so hard on the posters, she deserves a 17 ,too. Our mystery(神秘) artist is our new student — Suzy Khan!"

Mr. Brown thanked her for all the wonderful posters and gave her a professional artist's set. "Thank you," she cried.

I 18 , at that time when I was looking at her excited face, she'd probably never 19 anything in her whole life.

Everyone started to 20 their hands. Suzy Khan gave them a shy smile and the applause was deafening. I knew then Suzy was going to be all right.