Melinda's art teacher, Mr. Freeman, is also able to make a profound impact in Melinda's life. Despite the fact that Melinda portrays Mr. Freeman "… like a stilt walking circus guy," (10) Melinda has a positive first impression of him, whereas Melinda is mostly unnoticed by Mr. Freeman. However, Mr. Freeman begins to take notice of Melinda's work over the course of the novel. When Melinda suggests that she should make a sculpture out of turkey bones, Mr. Freeman encourages Melinda to "… work on the bird but keep thinking tree." (61) Mr. Freeman's comment incidentally helps Melinda find another medium to express her thoughts and emotions other than speaking. This, in turn, allows Mr. Freeman to better understand what Melinda is thinking about. Furthermore, when Mr. Freeman drives Melinda to Effert's, Mr. Freeman expresses his thoughts that Melinda is "… a good kid. I think you have a lot to say. I'd like to hear it." (123) This occurrence helps Melinda realise that there are people in her life who are willing to hear what Melinda has to say, unlike what she thinks previously. Through their relationship, Melinda is able to learn various lessons about herself and life in general from Mr. Freeman. At the request of Mr. Freeman, Melinda discovers "Cubism. Seeing beyond what is on the surface." (119)
Melinda's art teacher, Mr. Freeman, is also able to make a profound impact in Melinda's life. Despite the fact that Melinda portrays Mr. Freeman "… like a stilt walking circus guy," (10) Melinda has a positive first impression of him, whereas Melinda is mostly unnoticed by Mr. Freeman. However, Mr. Freeman begins to take notice of Melinda's work over the course of the novel. When Melinda suggests that she should make a sculpture out of turkey bones, Mr. Freeman encourages Melinda to "… work on the bird but keep thinking tree." (61) Mr. Freeman's comment incidentally helps Melinda find another medium to express her thoughts and emotions other than speaking. This, in turn, allows Mr. Freeman to better understand what Melinda is thinking about. Furthermore, when Mr. Freeman drives Melinda to Effert's, Mr. Freeman expresses his thoughts that Melinda is "… a good kid. I think you have a lot to say. I'd like to hear it." (123) This occurrence helps Melinda realise that there are people in her life who are willing to hear what Melinda has to say, unlike what she thinks previously. Through their relationship, Melinda is able to learn various lessons about herself and life in general from Mr. Freeman. At the request of Mr. Freeman, Melinda discovers "Cubism. Seeing beyond what is on the surface." (119)