Chapters 4-6 Summary

Vernon's carefree days end when he receives a very poor report card, in which he fails all of his required subjects, especially English and Math. He worries about repeating the seventh grade, because he is already one year behind and big for his age. He visits the school's guidance counselor about tutoring, but knows his family cannot afford the two dollar an hour fee.

One day, though, Vernon goes to the grocery for his sister. He gets into a yelling match with the grocer, who tries to overcharge both Vernon and the woman in line in front of him. Outside the store, he realizes the woman was Maxine Flooter, when she commends him for speaking up. Vernon offers to walk further up the hill to get the required potatoes for both him and Maxine. When he delivers the potatoes, Maxine speaks...