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A Book by Its Cover

Album: 21: Wish You Were Here

Episode: 283

Lesson/Theme: Judging others.

Bible Verse: Matthew 7:1-2

Characters: Connie, Eugene, Katrina

Writer: Paul McCusker

Sound Designer: Bob Luttrell

Original Air Date: September 24, 1994

Last Air Date: February 23, 2009

Description:
Katrina writes a letter to her folks, explaining some interesting events around town. The first involves her and a new student named Melissa. In a flashback, Katrina reveals that Melissa needs help with her studies. Melissa appears to be mature enough to handle Katrina’s assignments, but as they talk, Katrina realizes that Melissa is not an older teen but is actually in middle school. Not only that, but whenever Katrina tries to start the lesson, Melissa avoids the subject. She tries talking about Katrina and her family. Later, Katrina gives Melissa a pop quiz, which Melissa flunks. Melissa turns on Katrina. She accuses Katrina of purposely making her fail. Finally, Melissa threatens Katrina with her job if she gives another pop quiz. Katrina takes control of the situation. She scolds Melissa and tells her to keep studying. Melissa eventually complies. She breaks down and cries like the little girl she is. In her letter, Katrina also describes an incident that took place with Jack, Eugene, and Connie. Jack has begun painting and has just finished a work to be put on display at the local library. Connie is dying to see it. When Jack leaves for the day to run a few errands, Connie coaxes Eugene up to the office for a quick peek. But the painting they see is awful! If Jack presents this, he’ll be humiliated. Connie and Eugene gently try to prevent Jack from displaying his painting. But they discover that what they thought was Jack’s painting is actually a scratch canvas. He was using it to clean off his brushes. Katrina explains in her letter that Connie and Eugene were set straight, and next time, they will all (Katrina included) be careful not to judge a book by its cover.

Questions:
Why did Melissa keep distracting Katrina? Was Katrina right to get angry with Melissa? What would you have done? Explain your answers. Should Connie and Eugene have tried to prevent Jack from displaying his painting? Why or why not?