Chapters 9 through 14 Summary

In chapter nine, Fred Carmel's Funtime Carnival comes to town in a parade that passes by Hattie's house. Hattie and several others, including Cookie, sit on the porch to watch. Cookie says she wants to see the sideshow performers. When the parade arrives, Hattie reads the signs advertising the sideshow. There's a Pretzel Woman, Man of a Thousand Tattoos and Ape Man. Hattie is mesmerized by the pictures on the trailer and wonders if she would want to be stared at by strangers. They make plans to attend the carnival on opening night. They walk to the carnival grounds, and Hattie realizes that she's somewhat disappointed by the sideshow. She says the people seem as if they are just wearing makeup or have some specific talent. Hattie, Mom and Dad ride the Ferris wheel as their final ride of the night...