Chapters 16-18 Summary

Vernon goes to Maxine's and explains the reason for their trip to Robert. He intends to take him, without Maxine. Robert seems nervous about the trip from the beginning. Once they leave the house, however, the entire neighborhood appears, excited to see Robert and see his new shoes.

Vernon takes Robert to the army surplus store for a new wardrobe first. Vernon seems proud that he figures the change due to him before the cashier tells him.

Before Vernon and Robert go into the shoe store, Vernon's friends Jerry and Bobby show up to help. The two boys picks out some shoes that are too expensive at first, but soon they all agree on the perfect pair of shoes, a red-checkered pair of Converses. Young children from the neighborhood meet Robert outside of the store and exclaim over his new shoes...