Raymond's Run Essay by Philip Lee

Philip Lee
Mrs. McKay
LAL – 8B
9/ 24/ 08
Typed Essay: Raymond’s Run

The Story, “Raymond’s Run” by Toni Cade Bambara is about Squeaky, a champion runner, learning a valuable lesson from her brother Raymond. In the beginning, all Squeaky cares about is beating Gretchen at the May Day race. She wants to uphold her reputation as the “fastest thing in the neighborhood;” however, she later learns something from Raymond that changes her goals.
Raymond is Squeaky’s older brother, although he doesn’t act like one. “Sometimes I slip and say my little brother Raymond. But as any fool can see he’s much bigger and he’s older too. But a lot of people call him my little brother cause he’s not quite right.” Raymond has Down’s syndrome which causes him to act, think, and look differently. Other people taunt and tease Raymond due to his disorder, but he is able to teach his sister, Squeaky, a lesson no one else can.
Squeaky was a competitive girl who was only focused on herself and being the best, until she sees Raymond’s run. When she witnesses this event, Squeaky realizes that she is being selfish. While she is able to become a champion or a star, Raymond has a difficult time fitting in, let alone becoming a champion. “And I’ve got a roomful of ribbons and medals and awards. But what does Raymond have to call his own?” At that point, Squeaky is changed, and is determined to coach Raymond and make him a champion.
The story, “Raymond’s Run” by Toni Cade Bambara, is about a boy with a medical disability, teaching his sister an important lesson. Squeaky realizes that she is able to achieve so much, yet her brother cannot. Instead of caring about her own goals, she decides to make something of Raymond. She wants to give him something to call his own. “You know, cause maybe we too busy being flowers or fairies or strawberries instead of something honest and worthy of respect…you know…like being people.”