Summary

In Chapter 10, "A Test of Courage," Manny says his encounter with Dorothy Giddens has changed his perspective of himself. He knows that he's nowhere “close to being smooth with girls” because he's too afraid to talk to them. Manny says there's a girl named Imelda Rodriguez who wears “clodhopper shoes” and has crooked teeth. But, he'd be devoted even to her if she showed him any attention. He confides this thought to his friend Frankie. Frankie understands and feels the same.

However, Frankie says he knows where there are some different girls. He says it's easy to get to know these girls. They plan to go there the following day. Frankie and Manny go to the Callaway Projects where Manny is introduced to a guy named Mondo and his half-brother, Eddie. There are other boys hanging around and two girls, Rita...