Contents
Private School
Overview
Jack contrasts his family’s modest means with wealthier classmates at Beecher Prep, exposing his insecurity among Julian’s circle. A recess chat about vacations and expensive sleds leads Miles to mention an old sled he abandoned. Jack realizes his prized “Lightning” is that sled, feels ashamed, and retreats.
Summary
Jack explains his family is not rich despite his private school, noting his dad is a teacher, his mom a social worker, they sold their car, and he shares a small apartment room with his brother Jamie. He overhears his parents weighing expenses, underscoring the family’s tight budget.
At recess, Jack hangs out with Julian, Henry, and Miles. Julian complains about spending Christmas near Paris, flaunting his wealth. The group swaps break plans. Jack mentions hoping for snow and wanting to talk about his new sled, but Miles jumps in to boast about an expensive, “state-of-the-art” sled his dad bought.
They debate sledding at Skeleton Hill. Julian dismisses it as junky and claims the name comes from an Indian burial ground. Miles says he left his old, junky sled by a big rock there and found it gone the next day, joking it might have been taken by a hobo.
Hearing this, Jack realizes the sled he found and restored—“Lightning”—must be Miles’s discarded one. Embarrassed and not wanting them to know, Jack abruptly leaves, pretending he needs a book, revealing his discomfort and guilt.
Who Appears
- Jack WillNarrator; reveals his family’s modest means, hides that he took and restored Miles’s discarded sled.
- Julian AlbansWealthy classmate; jokes about Paris, belittles Skeleton Hill, leads the recess conversation.
- MilesClassmate with an expensive sled; mentions abandoning an old sled that was later taken.
- HenryClassmate in Julian’s group; present during the sled and vacation discussion.
- Jamie WillJack’s younger brother; mentioned as sharing a room, underscoring the family’s finances.
- Jack’s parentsDad is a teacher, Mom a social worker; worry about expenses and extra work.
- Doña PetraLandlord of Jack’s family’s walk-up apartment, situating their modest living conditions.