Janine's mother often worked late at the supermarket. By the time she got home she was tired and cross. Then she shouted at Janine and her little sister, Rose. "You girls are so lazy! The floor is dirty and these dishes have been here all day. I still have to cook and check your homework!" Sometimes she was so angry that she hit Janine. She was always sorry afterwards.
Janine loved her mother and wanted to help her. She tried to clean up after school but it was difficult to do that and look after Rose. When her mother was angry, Janine would grab Rose and hide under their bed. She didn't want her mother to hit Rose.
Then one day, Janine's teacher, Mrs. Dixon, asked her to stay when the class went out to break.
"Janine, what are those bruises on your cheek?"
At first Janine didn't answer. She thought that if she told the truth everything would get worse.
"I Want to help you, Janine," Mrs. Dixon said. "Nobody has the right to hurt you like that."
Then Janine decided to trust her teacher and she told her everything.
Mrs. Dixon asked Janine's mother to come and see her. She also arranged for a social worker to visit Janine's family. Together they made a plan to help Janine's mother. They also made it clear that physical abuse of children is a serious crime.
Janine's grandmother has come to live with them and together they clean the house, make supper and check Janine's homework. By the time Janine's mother comes home, everything is done.
Comprehension questions:
- Who were Janine, Rose and Mrs. Dixon?
- What did Mrs. Dixon do when Janine told her what was happening?
- Look up the meaning of these words in your dictionary: truth, bruise, social worker, abuse.
- Do you think Janine's problems are over?
- Janine's grandmother moved to their home. Did it teach Janine's mother anything?