Chapter 3 Summary

As Scott Berman walks down the hall, he is approached by Gordon McLean, a young black student outraged after reading Huckleberry Finn. He points out several references in the book to the word "nigger," and asks Scott how he would feel if he were assigned a book filled with the word "kike." When Scott explains he would simply tell his father, who would immediately file a complaint, Gordon admits this is precisely what he himself has done. Gordon's final words attack Nora's character, as he explains his belief that she does not care about how black students feel.

In a coffee shop down the street, Deirdre and Nora are discussing the truth behind Mrs. Salters' departure as librarian. Nora explains that within the last few years, several citizens began to complain about certain books within the library. According to Nora, those individuals included...