Ban This Book

In the library after school, Amy Anne realizes Trey must have noticed the list disappear from her locker; she wonders again why he seemed “embarrassed. Or sorry” (113) over the matter. Trey arrives and gets her attention; he shows her a new drawing of the right to assemble, this one with people and signs. One protestor’s sign is not in accordance with the others to show that he “has as much right to be there as the rest of them” (114). Amy Anne points out that this displays freedom of speech, but she allows that his overall artwork is impressive. Trey’s mother arrives to collect him. Mrs. Jones thanks her for the donated money from the PTA for an author visit. Mrs. Jones reveals which author she just scheduled: Dav Pilkey, writer of the Captain Underpants series. Mrs. Spencer is clearly angry but says nothing. Amy Anne watches her leave in a huff, thinking, “Round three in the boxing match had gone to Mrs. Jones. Maybe this fight wasn’t over yet” (116).

Coletrane Farmer, a second-grade student, accidentally drops his cafeteria tray and his concealed copy of Wait Till Helen Comes when he runs into someone. Amy Anne watches in terror as Principal Banazewski comes over to help and picks the book up.