I was a solitary child, quiet, shy and bookish. I loved reading but was very badly dyslexic (We didn't know that then, I was just considered lazy). I didn't socialise much, and was new to the school so most people including the teachers wouldn't have been aware of my passion for reading.
One day we were asked to write up a book review and I chose my favourite which at the time which was above a gold level book - which, as I was in primary in a remedial class, would have been unusual.
The teacher accused me of lying about reading the book as there was no way that someone that writes/spells like i did could have. I was stood up in front of the class and instructed to tell everyone I was a liar. I refused. The teacher tried to catch me out by asking what happened but I answered correctly. This seem just to make her madder and decided the fact that I was flustered and red in the face was 'proof' of my lies.
I got so angry that I talked back and ended up being sent to the headmasters office (physically dragged). I was made to stand in the corner while the head told me that my parents were being called in and I was in so much trouble.
My Dad turned up and told them that he bought the books for me and I was reading at the level and had been constantly for some time. He then proved it by asking about the sequels and I clearly told him what happened and he pulled out the books and confirmed with the Head.
Just when i thought it was all going to be all alright the head said it was no excuse for talking back to the teacher. I was put in detention for two weeks and would miss out on a picnic. My dad didn't argue it.
The injustice of it still makes my eyes well up today.