Chapters 1 and 2 Summary

Chapter 1

Jack Gantos was playing in his backyard on Norvelt Street. He had an array of Japanese military souvenirs that his dad collected while he was in the Navy on the Pacific front during World War II. He had gathered a rifle, a full ammo clip, an officer's sword, binoculars, a dented canteen and other items. His mother was afraid for him to play with the things. His father had always told him to be careful with them because they could be worth a bundle of money someday. He was watching a movie playing at the drive-in down the road through the old binoculars.

Jack's mother told him that a neighbor, Miss Volker, needed his help. Mrs. Gantos told him he could take a piece of pie for pay but no money. It wasn't right to help neighbors and expect pay...