Chapter 15-16 Summary and Analysis

On September 8, 1975, Alice McGoff wakes up to the sounds of helicopters. This is the first day of busing and Alice did not like the idea. She enrolls three of her children in Catholic schools to avoid busing and let the older children make up their own minds as to whether or not they want to attend school that day. Lisa and Billy decide to attend classes at their high school. Danny McGoff, who has graduated, watches from a corner with brothers Tommy and Kevin as they enter the school. They join the crowd even though Alice urges them to stay home.

The situation in Boston is tense and Senator Ted Kennedy appears in Charlestown where he faces deep resentment. Alice begins to attend meetings to fight the busing, believing in King's approach of non-violence. The community suceeds in keeping...