Summary

Shirley has many friends now and even has started to understand many of the social customs. She says the pledge of allegiance, pronouncing most of the words wrong, but she still tries it. Shirley asks why her friends are calling her Jackie Robinson, and the teacher in turn replies that it is because she is a good baseball player and is like Jackie Robinson, the famous player. The teacher explains the American dream and how she and Jackie Robinson are alike in many aspects. Summer break is days away and the whole class is restless.

Analysis

In this chapter Shirley has many friends thanks to Mabel and is even given a nickname: Jackie Robinson. Shirley doesn't understand nicknames and asks her teacher for help understanding. The teacher takes this time to explain why Jackie is important to America. Jackie is used as a symbol...