Part 1: Chapter 8 Summary and Analysis

The following summer Raymond tries farming again and Essie is only able to work for Mrs. Jenkins on the weekends. Once again, the family has no money for new school clothes and Essie is forced to start school in last year's clothes, even though she has gained some weight and everything is tight on her. At first, the other children make fun of her, but then the other girls notice how the boys pay attention to Essie's new curves and they start wearing tight clothes on purpose.

In the fall Mrs. Willis, Essie's teacher, announces that they will be having a competition for Homecoming Queen. Each grade picks a queen to ride in the parade before the football game and when the eighth grade votes are counted, Essie is one of three eighth grade queens. In order to break...