Chapter 5, Citizenship in the School (pgs. 215-221) Summary and Analysis

Arthur and Toby bicker with each other all the time. One day, they start shoving each other and get separated by Mr. Mitchell, who signs them up for a smoker. Smokers are the boxing fights that Mr. Mitchell oversees. He signs boys up when they get in a fight. He does not care if the boys are matched up well. Mismatched fights are livelier, and the crowd, who pays $3 a head to watch the fights, loves them.

During the three weeks before the fight, the boys stay away from each other. They have been growing apart anyway. Arthur hangs out with good kids who Toby considers dull. Toby thinks Arthur has to hide his eccentricities with these kids. Arthur never talks to or looks at his girlfriend, Beth Mathis...