The narrator, Annie, shares her story about overcoming shyness and finding her voice. She was a quiet and shy child, often misunderstood by her classmates. However, at home, she was a chatterbox and a talented storyteller. Annie's life takes a turn when a new student, Peter, joins her class. Peter is a bully who loves to torment others, but Annie stands up to him, and eventually, he apologizes for his behavior. Annie discovers that Peter's mean behavior stems from his troubled home life, and she helps him to change and become a better person. Through her interactions with Peter, Annie finds her confidence and develops her writing skills, eventually becoming a writer.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The narrator, Annie, was a shy and quiet child who hardly spoke to anyone in school.
2. Annie's kindergarten teacher told her parents to take her to a doctor because she thought there was something wrong with Annie.
3. Annie's dad defended her and told the teacher to mind her own business.
4. Annie's parents loved and supported her, but she was still shy and quiet in school.
5. In the third grade, a boy threw a paper at Annie with a compliment, which made her try to talk more.
6. Annie made new friends and started taking part in school activities, but still didn't talk much.
7. When Annie was in the eighth grade, her parents helped her publish her first short novel, but it was a failure.
8. Annie's dad sued the publishers, but lost the case.
9. Annie decided to take a break from writing until she met a new student, Peter, in her class.
10. Peter was a bully who liked to snatch students' lunch and threaten them.
11. Annie reported Peter to the principal, and he was put in detention.
12. Peter returned from detention and continued to bully Annie.
13. One day, Peter was sick and had a high fever, but he refused to go home.
14. Annie found Peter huddled on the bleachers, holding a worn-out teddy bear named Mr. Smith.
15. Peter stole Annie's notebook and used it to humiliate her in front of the whole school.
16. Annie was devastated and didn't know how to react.
17. Peter apologized to Annie and told her about his troubled home life.
18. Annie forgave Peter and helped him to change his ways.
19. Peter apologized to the whole school for his behavior.
20. Peter became a better person and eventually became a medical doctor with a beautiful wife and child.
21. Annie became a writer and considers helping Peter to be her greatest achievement.