Chapter Ten: Spring Fever Summary and Analysis

Returning from spring break, Tony has the kids write about something that happened to them on the break. Daniel tells the class about finding a kitten out in the rain. Howard pipes in and says it reminds him of Lenny, the guy with the dead mouse in "Of Mice and Men." It gratifies Tony that Howard retained the Steinbeck story and was able to apply it to a real-life situation. That's learning! Tony hands out his first pink slip to Charmaine for being late and her punishment is detention. Tony tells her that she won't be in school forever and that she can do well at school and she can have fun. One is not exclusive of the other.

Over the next few days, student behavior is exceptionally good. Everyone arrives on time including Charmaine...