Spelling Bee

Akeelah was a teenager who studied in a high school in middle Los Angeles. Akeelah felt that it was hard for her to fit in the world she lived, especially her school life. Akeelah’s classmates treated her badly and always laughed at her; therefore, Akeelah lacked of confidence and was afraid of showing herself in front of the public. However, Akeelah was good at spelling. When her teacher found the ability, she asked Akeelah to take part in the spelling bee. After conquering some difficulties, Akeelah finally showed up in the district spelling bee and met a boy in the competition. Akeelah won the chance to promote, but she couldn’t share the happiness with her mother. They had argument. In order to prove herself, Akeelah decided to ask a professor of UCLA for help.

Akeelah lacks of confidence because of her classmates. Although there is no racial discrimination in the school, there are class and bullying. Feeling stressful, the only thing that can comfort Akeelah is spelling computer game. When playing the computer game, Akeelah reminds of her beloved father. Spelling is now the best way to express Akeelah herself; however, the viewpoints of her family members toward spelling bee are different. Akeelah’s mother considers it not important and asks Akeelah concentrate on her schoolwork more. Akeelah’s brother who is a soldier encourages Akeelah to grab the opportunity. Akeelah’s brother who hangs out with gangster in the community makes the atmosphere at home tenser. It’s hard for Akeelah focus on what she likes like other 11 year-old girl. Spelling bee gives Akeelah not only opportunities to change herself but also some challenges which she has to face.