Chapter 16 Summary and Analysis

The beginning of April comes in with a snowstorm that shuts down the school for two days. When classes resumes, Sheila shares during morning discussion that her Uncle Jerry has just been released from jail and is staying with them while he looks for a job. Sheila is excited by her uncle's presence because he played with her outside during the snowstorm. Every day Sheila wears her new dress and tells the other students about her trial day with dinner and shopping. Finally, Torey asks Sheila not to dwell on the topic and Sheila cuts back on her telling the other kids but continues to hash it over with Torey after school. Like Torey's absence in February, Sheila seems to gain something from rehashing the event over and over again.

One day Sheila comes to school in her old coveralls and...