Alabama Moon

As soon as Mr. Carter leaves, the other boys arrive. They recognize Moon from TV. Hal Mitchell, the tallest, asks if Moon is the one who got arrested the day before. When Moon tells him yes, Hal says Moon “don’t look so tough” (66). Moon immediately tells Hal he can beat him. The physical fight is brief: Hal goes to grab Moon and Moon hits Hal in the face and avoids his grabs. When Hal does manage to get Moon’s ankle, Moon kicks Hal’s hand. Mr. Carter arrives and orders everyone to their beds, then tells Hal he must sleep outside that night. At dinner, a pale, thin-haired boy named Kit Slip explains to Moon what to do during grace. Moon is thrilled with the food at dinner: “There was even more food in the boys’ home than in jail” (69). He eats plenty of mashed potatoes and ham. Kit says boys go to the rec room after dinner and invites Moon to come, but Mr. Carter collects Moon to see Mr. Gene instead.