Striving for Smiles The story “Amazing Grace” is by Jonathan Kozol, a strong activist who works and helps the poor and writes about his experiences with them. “Amazing Grace” is about a boy names Cliffie who takes Jonathon Kozol on a tour of his neighborhood in the South Bronx. Kozol also learns about how Cliffie and other children live life in the South Bronx. Jonathan Kozol’s wants us to know that if things are not always on the bright side, we should try our best to find one. While the South Bronx is filled with the homeless and hungry, there’s a stone haven that has a tremendous impact on the residents of the South Bronx. St. Ann’s Church is filled with energetic children along with their high-spirited parents. Kozol says, “The first time I see the pastor, Martha Overall, she is carrying a newborn baby in her arms and is surrounded by three lively and excited little girls,” (line 5). The girls show their cheeky smiles despite what’s going on outside the church. Aside from the harsh situations and the expenses of life, once families step on the worship grounds of the church, their worries have
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Because Cliffie took him to a waste incinerator, he is surprised when he tells her she doesn’t seem deeply insulted. Cliffie’s mother says, “‘The truth is, you get used to the offence. There are trashy things all over,’” (line 220). Cliffie’s mother then tells Kozol all about the wasteful objects that clutter, yet inhabit the neighborhood. Telling Kozol about the things that others dump in the neighborhood turned Cliffie’s mother’s attitude around. “Not long ago, somebody dumped a pile of chairs and tables in the street. I was offended but I was also blessed. I took two chairs,” (line 233-236). Despite the dumping, Cliffie’s mother made something useful out of it, and even when there were multiple chairs, she left some to better someone else's
Because Cliffie took him to a waste incinerator, he is surprised when he tells her she doesn’t seem deeply insulted. Cliffie’s mother says, “‘The truth is, you get used to the offence. There are trashy things all over,’” (line 220). Cliffie’s mother then tells Kozol all about the wasteful objects that clutter, yet inhabit the neighborhood. Telling Kozol about the things that others dump in the neighborhood turned Cliffie’s mother’s attitude around. “Not long ago, somebody dumped a pile of chairs and tables in the street. I was offended but I was also blessed. I took two chairs,” (line 233-236). Despite the dumping, Cliffie’s mother made something useful out of it, and even when there were multiple chairs, she left some to better someone else's