Why does Jeanne feel invisible in her new classroom? What makes her want not only to be invisible, but also to disappear?

Jeanne is asked to read in her new classroom, and the reaction of the other students is shock that she can not only read but speak English as well. Even at this young age, Jeanne was appalled that she was seen as nothing more than a foreigner by her classmates.... that she wasn't seen or considered an American. This realization made her want to be invisible.... to disappear.