Penelope McCampbell did not really get along with many students at school. In fact, she did not get along with anyone, but that
didn't stop her from bothering people. She was a gnat that was always in the way. The kids in her class avoided her as best as they could. They would scramble out of Penelope McCampbell's path when she walked down the hall. In the context of the story, what does the word gnat connote?
Laura judges Rita by looks instead of actually finding out by asking. Never judge a book by its cover as they say. Also Laura focused more on Rita than herself causing herself to fall behind. Hope it helped.