Chapters 7 & 8: The Moptops, Spirit Week Summary

The next morning, Delrita wakes to rain pelting the windows. Punky is in tears because he's afraid of rain, so Delrita pretends to phone the weather channel to ask them to change things. The family packs into their car and drives to church, one of the few places Delrita feels she can really be herself - the congregation is all used to Punky's antics - so she is surprised to see a line of red-headed children at the front of the church. Knowing this must be Avanelle and her family, Delrita is mortified. Now everyone at school will know the truth about her family! As soon as she thinks this, Delrita is overwhelmed with guilt: "How could I love Punky and be ashamed of him at the same time?" (p. 61). Delrita's embarrassment escalates when Punky...