Lives of Girls and Women

Del enjoys going to the library at the Town Hall, and she brings her friend Naomi with her one day after school. Del likes to browse the books and discovers solace in the library, which is staffed by a woman with a disability. Naomi, on the other hand, is not an avid reader, and Del attempts to introduce her to books, such as Kristin Lavransdatter, in which she shows Naomi the part in the book where the lead character gives birth during the 14th century. During their visit to the library, Del learns that Naomi considers her a friend, which brings her joy. The pair start hanging out together more often and become “board monitors” at school, so they willingly clean the chalkboards in each classroom after school.

At her school, the students perform an operetta every March, and Del begins to spend a lot of time with Miss Farris, a schoolteacher, and Mr. Boyce, the organist at one of the local churches. Miss Farris and Mr. Boyce tell the students to sing, and they go around the room picking the students who will sing during the performance. Del feels relief when she and Naomi are not chosen to be part of the vocal group.