Chapter 3 Summary

Sassy is in third grade, and Jamal is in seventh. Jamal gets sent to the principal's office frequently due to lateness or missed homework. Mr. Davidson blames Jamal's mother for his being late. He thinks that she does not care about her children's education. The teachers all tell Jamal that he can do better in school if he tries. He is tired of hearing what he cannot do from his teachers. Miss Brown is the only teacher Jamal likes, because she is the prettiest in the school. He is excited that she has asked him to stay after school to help paint the set for the seventh grade play. Jamal loves to draw. He wants Mama to buy him real paints this Christmas and not just the watercolors from McCrory's.

Chapter 3 Analysis

In school, Jamal feels unsuccessful and is viewed as a failure...