Chapter 3, The New Order Begins Summary and Analysis

Paley postpones talking to the fifty graders; she has decided to impose the new rule. The children are nervous and ask many questions about possible conflicts. Paley says to deal with them as they arise. Lisa now thinks its unfair because she wants her own friends. When Lisa worried aloud that someone could hurt her or be mean to her, others suggested remedies. Some of the children reference Raymond in the magpie story, someone mean and alone who only Magpie befriends.

Returning to the story, Raymond is on his way to school, wanting to show everyone that he is nice. He tries to help a girl put buttons on her doll but he messes up and she thinks he's being mean. He tries to help a boy at a carpentry bench and the...