A Boy's Big Problem Summary and Analysis

In 8th grade, Ben endures another humiliating experience. He is the victim of "capping." Capping in the 8th grade is when one kid makes the most sarcastic remark possible about the other kid's clothes—always within earshot of the victim. Usually these brave souls waited until they had a group so they could gang up on the kid. Ben learns how to give it right back and comes to be respected and accepted. Ben had never given much thought to his clothes before, but now in the 8th grade, with the ribbing he was taking over his clothes, he finally pressures his mother to get him some trendy clothes. Now that he is capping back and dressing cool, he becomes part of the in-crowd. He is invited to all the parties and hang-outs with...