Chapter 4, Citizenship in the Home (pgs. 107-116) Summary and Analysis

Toby is drawn to the biggest sissy in the sixth grade, Arthur Gayle. He is big and unpopular, but Toby likes him as he has a sharp wit. Toby wants to be friends with Arthur. However, doing so will ruin Toby's chance to be cool.

On the way home from school, Arthur makes a comment about Toby's hands, which are still orange from shucking the nuts. Toby wants to let the comment go, but there are other kids around so he starts making fun of Arthur's weight. Arthur doesn't do anything until Toby calls him a sissy. Arthur punches Toby on the ear, knocking him to the ground. When Toby gets up, he is ready to stop fighting, but Arthur comes at him again like a madman. Toby is...