project

A grocery bag wadded into a ball. It was so heavy they unwrapped it. Mrs. FItzgerald pauses, probably for effect. She knows how to put on a show and right now she has all our silent attention. Inside was a gun. (p.19)

Kutter's

Nehemiah grabs the next backpack and swats its contents toward Ms. Erickson. The bullets gangle to the floor. (p. 259)

The sub hits the power button. Over Nehemiah's beatboxing, my rhymes spit over the school speakers. (p.4)

Yeah. I haven't been a good friend. Haven't stood up for him like I should. I already spoke to Mr. Blackmon about how the fight on the basketball court was my fault. not Nehemiah's. And I brought his schoolwork so he won't be behind.

I... I was so afraid. The more dangerous you seem, the more likely they are to leave you alone. With it, I had the power for a change. Tears stream down the big boy's face. His hand, which seems to small for his body, wipes away his tears. I hate seeing big people break down, but it has to be done. I have to know. Jaron fishes into his pocket. He holds out his fist and waits for me to open my palm to receive its contents. When I do, bullets rain into my hand. I didn't even know how to load it, Jaron whispers. (p.241)