The Happiest Refugee

As chapter seven begins, Anh and Khoa are fitting into their new school, St. Aloysius. However, they struggle with the financial discrepancy between them and fellow students. Their now-single mother struggles to buy them the needed jackets, as Khoa is a large boy. Anh has to wear an oversized jacket that he grows into, and he and Khoa wind up trading clothes at one point. Anh is nervous that other boys will notice this, but they never do. Thanks to the thrift store, their mother is able to keep them in school uniforms.

Anh greatly enjoys drama class, where students get to play-act in a break from harder subjects. In eighth grade, the drama teacher cuts the class in half, removing the quieter kids, including Anh. A kind teacher, Mrs. Borny, starts her own drama class for the more introverted students. Anh credits her for giving him the inspiration to become a writer and comedian. He reminisces about his childhood, such as his mother’s slapdash haircuts for him and his brother, and their trips to McDonald’s for special occasions. One time, he gets a massive box of name-brand chips by complaining to the company about a green chip, and becomes the most popular kid in school for a week.