Summary

In Chapter 7, "The Boxing Match," summer comes to an end. Manny returns to the same school, despite his mother's earlier desire that he move to a better school. Manny spends lunch time with his friend, Albert Sosa. They sit at a specific picnic table outside so they can catch a glimpse of Miss Van der Meer, though they never verbally admit that's why they sit there. One day, a big boy named Lencho Dominguez arrives at their table. He says they are ridiculous for watching Miss Van der Meer. Lencho then asks Manny if Nardo might join his boxing team. He pushes Manny to say he'll ask Nardo. Miss Van der Meer leaves her classroom surrounded by students. Lencho heads her way, almost brushing into her as he passes. Manny shouts at Lencho that Albert will join the boxing team, then shouts...