Meredith Maran's class dismissed: three teenagers at Berkeley High

¶ … Dismissed

Author Meredith Maran, in Class Dismissed, chooses three teenagers that reflect the racial and economic diversity of the students she studied at Berkeley High. While the main characters studied, Keith, Autumn and Jordan, come from different backgrounds, they all encounter unique challenges to achieving their dreams.

Keith is a talented and popular black football star, but isn't noted for his academic skills. In fact, he can barely read. He comes from a poor family and has relied on teachers and coaches for support. Keith's run in with the police clearly illustrates his frustrations with society and his feelings of unfairness in the world. His dream is to become is to play football in college and to make the sport his professional career.

Autumn is a true survivor. Her white father abandoned her black mother when she was only ten years old. She has had to work hard to compensate for the single parent household. She has a job after school to help with the family finances and plays a significant role in raising her two little brothers. Despite these obstacles, Autumn does very well in school. She would like to go to college, but doesn't know how she will be able to afford to do so.