Chapters 16-18 Summary

"Field Day," the title of Chapter 16, describes an old tradition at the school, which began as a day of fun and continues as such for the small children, but now emphasizes races and winning for the older children. Mr. Yalowitz divides his class into four groups named by colors, putting Zinkoff with the Purple team. Probably the best runner in both fourth-grade classes is Gary Hobin, who is on the Purple team. Despite poor performances by Zinkoff, the Purples are in first place going into the final race, a relay. Mr. Yalowitz says Zinkoff must run the last leg and he tries valiantly but fails miserably, causing the team to lose the championship. Hobin and the other Purples file past Zinkoff, each of them whispering and muttering to him, "Loser." At dinner, when Zinkoff's parents ask about Field Day, he is...