"My First Negro" <em>The Sign</em>
This story, set in Frenchtown, recounts the protagonist's brief friendship with an African American kid from the disadvantaged neighborhood, Alphabet Soup. The story deals with issues of race and poverty (including blackface and government assistance), but also has moments of human tenderness. The protagonist struggles with his complicity in a wayward attempt to share food stolen from the "rich" to give to the poor.
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<em>The Sign</em>
Robert E. Cormier Collection at Fitchburg State University's Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library
March 1969
AnnaMary L. Consalvo
Katharine Covino
Elise Takehana
JPG, 8.5x11
English
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"My Father's Gamble" <em>The Sign</em>
The young protagonist of this story witnesses the consequences of his father's alcoholism and poor money management skills for his entire family. The father takes out a loan to pay his debts in a time of uncertain employment. He loses the money, though he also has a habit of passing time in the local bar.
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<em>The Sign</em>
Robert E. Cormier Collection at Fitchburg State University's Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library
April 1961
AnnaMary L. Consalvo
Katharine Covino
Elise Takehana
<a href="https://robertcormiertwistedintimacy.omeka.net/items/show/138" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Robert Cormier's letter to Miss Marilyn Marlow undated</a><br /><a href="https://robertcormiertwistedintimacy.omeka.net/items/show/42" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Robert Cormier's letter to Miss Marilyn Marlow 29 March 1968</a><br /><a href="https://robertcormiertwistedintimacy.omeka.net/items/show/41" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Robert Cormier's letter to Miss Marilyn Marlow 4 October 1960</a>
JPG, 8.5x11
English
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<em>Scholastic Scope</em> Stories by Robert Cormier including "President Cleveland, Where Are You?" and "Protestants Cry, Too"
This complete Scholastic Scope booklet includes two stories by Robert Cormier along with fill-in-the-blank word puzzles, a word search, a crossword puzzle, jokes, a comic strip, and queries and advice from readers. Furthermore, readers will find a brief collection of fictional anecdotes about plagiarism. The booklet also includes a brief biography and introduction to the two Cormier stories set in Frenchtown. The introduction mentions how Cormier writes from his life experiences.
"President Cleveland, Where Are You?" is narrated by an 11-year-old Jerry who competes with the neighborhood kids to win a baseball glove by collecting President cards. When he has a chance to win, he sacrifices the win for the benefit of his brother.
"Protestants Cry, Too" continues with Jerry Renault's family, but focuses on Arnaud, the older brother, who decides to marry Jessica Stone, a Protestant, against his father's wishes. He enlists in the army beforehand and his father has a change of heart when he sees Jessica as a human, crying as Armaud leaves. Following the story are a number of questions and activities about writing letters.
<a href="/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=39&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=Robert+Cormier">Robert Cormier</a>
<em>Scholastic Scope,</em> vol. 30, no. 3
Robert E. Cormier Collection at Fitchburg State University's Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library
25 September 1981
AnnaMary L. Consalvo
Katharine Covino
Elise Takehana
JPG, 8.5 x 11 newsprint paper
English