Part 1: Chapter 3 Summary and Analysis

Mama quits her job as a domestic and the family moves two miles down the road. Mama starts working for another white family who lets them live in a house on their property. Essie Mae likes this house the best because it is made of new boards and has a new toilet. She also thinks that they have a position of honor because they are the only black family in the neighborhood.

Essie Mae, Adline, and Junior spend their time sitting out front in a trench watching the white children ride their bikes. The white children become intrigued when they hear Essie Mae making Indian noises and the two groups of children become friends. When all the children go to the movies together, Essie Mae gets in trouble for trying go into the main theatre with the white children...