Have you ever read the story written by Vince Gottera entitled Manny’s Climb? This story is mainly about Manny entering the new school, trying to be socially accepted by showing what he can and would do just to fit-in. There are consequences to the problems that a child can face. This includes depression and identity crisis, doing something bad to fit-in, and easily giving up to the challenges. The main reason for these problems is the lack of attention that should be given at home.
This
story has a lot of lessons or messages that the author wants to send to us.
First, Manny’s climb story shows that the attention that is not given at home
will be sought at other places, and if not, it can lead to depression and identity
crisis. In the story, Manny has always been alone left in the house since his
parents are working both for living. Most probably, they spend most of their
times at work which gives them less time with their child. Second, we can also
see in the story that people results on doing something bad even though they
know that it’ll hurt them just to fit-in. On the first day of school, Manny ate
the paper in front of other kids just to gain their attention. On the end his stomach ached because of what
he has done. Lastly, the story showed us that if we give up on the challenges
that we are facing now, then we won’t be able to solve our problems. Trying to
solve it is much better than giving up or running away. As said, he tried to
jump off the transmitter because he was too overwhelmed with all the
feelings/problems that he has especially at his young age. If only Manny was
able to express what he truly feels to his parents or he can share it to
someone then, the fire could be subsided while it was still early, not after it
has made the damage. It might have been solved while it was still early, and wouldn’t
reach to the point of trying to kill his self.