At six or seven we want our children to enjoy their childhood, not rushing or forcing them into adulthood by burdening them with all the responsibilities that the Samoans typically do. ... Where the viewing and knowledge of sexual acts are very common to the young Samoan child, children are also very accustomed to birth, death, seeing dead bodies, and even watching miscarriages. ... As adults this may give us more time to enjoy life with less stress, but what about our children? ...

• Word Count: 1718
• Approx Pages: 7

As Annie Dillard grew up, her mother was a big part of her life. In "An American Childhood," she shares multiple stories about her mother's eccentric behavior and how it impacted her life in a large way. She also talks about the way her mother thought and behaved to teach others a lesson about how t...

• Word Count: 1628
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School