Summary

Chapter 17 takes place in 1960. Kya goes to Jumpin’s store, and Jumpin’ says that people from Social Services have been asking around town about Kya. Jumpin’ lied to the officials and said that Kya’s father was still living with her. Kya tells Tate this news, and he says he knows of an abandoned cabin in the marsh where Kya can hide for a while. Over the summer, Tate continues to teach Kya how to read. Tate eventually begins teaching Kya poetry, and Kya enjoys poetry very much. Tate begins his senior year at high school and brings his old textbooks for Kya to read. Kya reads them with delight and curiosity. One day, Kya begins suffering from stomach cramps, and Tate tells her that she is having her period. It is Kya’s first period, and she goes to Jumpin’s wife Mabel...