Why does Maleeka help John-John? Would you have done it? Why or why not?

The issue here is that John-John is actually one of the bullies that troubles Maleeka at school.  The irony is that John-John is actually Maleeka's same skin color which should make the reader wonder why the heck he is teasing her about being that same dark skin color.

The reason why Maleeka helps John-John isn't really stated, but it is implied.  Maleeka knows just how it feels to be on the short end of the...

The issue here is that John-John is actually one of the bullies that troubles Maleeka at school.  The irony is that John-John is actually Maleeka's same skin color which should make the reader wonder why the heck he is teasing her about being that same dark skin color.

The reason why Maleeka helps John-John isn't really stated, but it is implied.  Maleeka knows just how it feels to be on the short end of the stick, and isn't about to let another fellow student feel that.  Maleeka, of course, is simply a good person which is another, more general, reason why she helps John-John.

Due to her helping John-John, Maleeka learns the real reason behind John-John's misplace bullying:  when Maleeka first moved to the neighborhood when she was seven, she didn't want to sit by John-John.  This was enough to make John-John resort to teasing and bullying for a while.

The last two parts of your question are quite personal and must be answered solely by the person handing in the assignment.  As for me, I can't say for sure, but I would hope that I would have helped John-John.  Why?  In my experience, it is very important to show Christ-like love to anyone and everyone in any way that they need.