Still, race isn't the Ellisons' major concern. They are perplexed by Donna's recent behavior and wonder whether taking her off Prozac was wise. They think Donna's actions are a mixture of typical teen-age rebellion and a manifestation of her troubled earlier life. She is loving one minute, moody the next. Sometimes sweet, often sassy.
Punishments are frequent.
For Christmas, she wants a leather jacket. But I don't think she's getting that. The school called in early October after Donna and her friends, all clad in designer outfits, teased some white girls for wearing clothes from Wal-Mart. She has a pattern of making fun of other kids' clothes. I tell her their parents are doing the best they can.