Chapter Eight Summary

Gunnar's father will not to report his looting if Gunnar agrees to attend El Campesino Real High School. Gunnar agrees, but he is miserable during his time at that school. It is a predominantly white wealthier school and Gunnar thinks that the whites, especially the teachers, are condescending. Gunnar is particularly disgusted with the few other black students who intentionally try to act not black. During his free time Gunnar's mother forces him to associate with students from the new school rather than his Hillside friends.

Gunnar finds refuge in the school's well-stocked library. He frequently skips classes and goes to the library. Every afternoon one of the basketball team's assistant coaches goes around to Gunnar's classes and picks up his assignments. Gunnar is not the only minority student brought in to improve the school's basketball team. There are a few...