Fish in a Tree

Mr. Daniels changes the assigned seating in his classroom, forcing his students to become better acquainted with one another. Ally is assigned to sit next to Keisha. She awkwardly blurts out that she “doesn’t mind being your friend” (58).

When Keisha reacts with annoyance, Ally thinks about how Alice from Alice in Wonderland argued with Humpty Dumpty about using the right words. This prompts her to ask Keisha if she likes eggs, which confuses Keisha even further.

At lunchtime, Shay invites Ally to sit with her and her friends. Ally is skeptical, but she joins them because she greatly desires to be normal and gain the respect of people like Shay. Ally observes the many friendship bracelets Jessica wears and longs to have one of her own.

In the lunchroom, Shay makes fun of Albert for wearing sneakers with cut-off backs. Albert explains that the sneakers have simply become too small, but he finds it illogical to stop wearing them when they are otherwise in fine condition. Shay continues to taunt Albert and encourages Ally to join in. Eager to earn Shay’s approval, Ally says that his sneakers look “pretty dopey” (62).