Read this excerpt from “Hmong Tops.”
They emerged from the store and headed home. Lorenzo stiffened as the group’s whispers lingered on the air. He was tired of being a stranger. He lived here now, and he wanted to play Hmong tops.
He marched over and once again insisted on playing. A glint of fire sparked in his eyes. One of the larger boys blocked the way, prepared to extinguish that spark, and shoved Lorenzo to the ground.
The language choices in this passage show that Lorenzo
likes to pick fights with others.
has a hint of a defiant streak.
is afraid to stand up for himself.
pretends to be braver than he is.