Summary

Chapter 40 underscores Dasani's respect for her houseparent, Mr. Akers. He is an anchor for Dasani at Hershey, reliable and thoughtful. By Chapter 41, it is time to celebrate Dasani's fifteenth birthday, and Chanel visits Hershey to help her celebrate. Mother and daughter are thrilled to see each other, and the mood is festive. Much darker are the events of Chapter 42. Avianna and Nana arrange to meet Dasani at a Popeye's restaurant in Brooklyn, a meeting which their foster mother insists on chaperoning. It is clear that the foster mother does not like Dasani or Chanel, and Nana and Avianna stop communicating with Dasani altogether. Dasani's family continues to fall apart. Dasani threatens students and teachers at Hershey, and a fight with an eighth grade girl brings swift justice. Dasani is expelled from Hershey. Chanel gives Dasani the news over the phone.

In Chapter...