Summary

The children stand outside in the cold to solicit signatures for their petition to save their brownstone. Isa has a conversation with Mrs. Castleman from the bakery. When Isa mentions that Mr. Beiderman is their landlord, Mrs. Castleman is surprised and makes an excuse to get away. Isa suspects that they know each other. Mr. Jeet and Miss Josie keep an eye on the children. Laney peeks into Mr. Beiderman’s apartment on her way back home and sees that he no longer has a Christmas tree.

In Chapter 13, Oliver worries about how many Christmas presents he will have to buy or make for the rest of his family. He gives up and goes to play basketball with Jimmy L. instead. His friends pitch in whatever they have to help him with his gift planning.

Jessie contemplates when and how she should tell...