Summary

In Chapter 16, Jefferson's class got bigger in sixth grade with an influx of students who had been in public school. They brought “worldly” ways that created a whole new set of competitions, including a “list" of the prettiest girls with the best personalities and best dance moves. Jefferson was top of the personality and dance list, but bottom of the looks list. One boy liked her but Jefferson stopped returning his smiles when she discovered he lived in a building where Negroes were not allowed. About that time, her mother told her that she could not trust whites because they always carried a level of prejudice.

Jefferson found that she did not have a "best friend." One girl was a year ahead in school, so was constantly in demand. A group of other friends were more involved with each other. Jefferson welcomed the...