Summary

In Chapter 11, Sonia began high school in 1968 at Cardinal Spellman, about an hour from the Bronxdale Houses where the family lived. There were soon problems in Spanish class. Students who spoke Spanish at home were put in an advanced class. The teacher planned a quick refresher before advancing to literature. The students, including Sonia, knew nothing of formal Spanish and were lost from the beginning. Sonia and another student told the teacher the problem and she slowed the pace to a more realistic level.

By this time, Nelson had begun struggling with school. He was as smart as ever and some of his emotional problems were prompted by his parents’ separation.

The summer after her freshman year of high school, Sonia got a job. Celina, remembering her own childhood, initially objected, but Sonia really wanted to work and Celina eventually gave her permission...