Summary

The opening chapter is titled “Something New.” June Jordan, known to family and friends as June Bug, is sitting in a beech tree when “Jenny Karlo's rusty old Chevy came clattering down Trowbridge Road” (1). Jenny stops at her mother's house. Jenny's mother is a former teacher whom June knows as Nana Jean. Jenny orders her son Ziggy out of the car. Ziggy is obviously upset about the situation. He is carrying a suitcase, wearing bright clothing, and has long red hair. Nana Jean repeats that this is “the right thing” (2). She says Ziggy can attend school in Newton and predicts an end to the teasing and bullying. Ziggy's white ferret, Matthew, is on his shoulder. Jenny bends to Ziggy's level where she talks baby talk, calling Ziggy a “Goo Goo Boy” and “the Walrus.” Nana Jean leads Ziggy inside...