Chapter 5 Summary

Palmer is able to re-join his friends later when they are playing at the playground. Palmer remembers his mother's warnings for safety but ignores them because he wants to be accepted by his new friends who do not heed many rules from anyone. The boys' play is interrupted by the arrival of an older boy named Farquar. Beans had arranged for Farquar to meet them and give Palmer "The Treatment," a friendly ritual of bonding that each boy receives on his ninth birthday. Palmer has heard of The Treatment and tries his best not to cry when Farquar directs nine strong blows to Palmer's naked left arm.

Chapter 5 Analysis

The author introduces another ritual into the story, this time the male bonding ritual known as The Treatment. Although Palmer is afraid of the pain, he is thrilled to receive his blows as acceptance...