Summary

In 38: News Story, Stella types out another edition of Stella’s Star Sentinel with the headline “boy beat up in bumblebee” (253). She gives details about Tony’s beating, and questions why the men responsible felt the need to attack him. She notes that Tony is physically doing well, but his mood has darkened.

In 39: Willow Bark and Stinkbugs, Mama and Stella stay home from church to tend to Jojo’s illness. The two go into the woods in search of elderberries, mint, and willow bark for a medicinal tea for both Jojo and Tony. Stella is sad thinking about Tony’s injuries and wishes he could have flown away like Zalika. Stella and her mother talk about the Packard family, and Stella ponders if Paulette will “grow up to be mean like her father” (258). As they forage, Mama...