Fall 1987 - Spring 1988, Chapter 12 Summary

This short chapter centers on Pharoah's spelling bee. Pharoah is one of the top two students to perform in his class spelling bee and will be part of the school contest, which includes the top students of all the middle grades. Pharoah works diligently to prepare but is concerned about his stutter. He is afraid of being humiliated in front of the whole school. He practices saying the words and letters slowly to avoid stuttering. On the day of the contest he is a bundle of nerves even though his teacher and classmates are encouraging. During the competition Pharoah is so focused on controlling his speech that he barely listens to the other students. More and more are eliminated until just five are left standing. But Pharoah begins losing control, his hands balling up under his un-tucked...