` Summary and Analysis

Lori's sister Libby continues to come to Torey's room to pick up Lori's homework each day though Torey tells her there isn't any. One day Libby comes in and sits down. Torey hints that she has work to do and Libby says that's OK, but continues to sit. Torey admits that Libby somehow intimidates her, but then Libby asks if Lori is retarded. Torey immediately realizes the fear in Libby's voice over her sister and goes to sit with her. Then Libby says she knows what happened to Lori. She says that Edna Thorson gave Lori an advanced reader and told her to read in front of the class, ridiculing her when she is unable to comply. Edna then gives her easier and easier books, continuing to ridicule Lori until the child throws up.

In chapter twenty-three, Torey goes to visit Lori at...