The Great Alone

Leni is nervous about her first day of school. Her dad gives her an ugly sweater and boy’s pants he bought at a thrift store when they first arrived. Not wanting to disappoint him, Leni wears the clothes. She asks to walk alone to the schoolhouse and finds around six kids there of varying ages. Tica, a Native woman, teaches the classes. Leni recognizes some of the kids from Mad Earl’s compound. The only kid who pays attention to her is a blond boy, Matthew Walker, who is her age. They hit it off based on their love for books and appreciation of Alaska’s weirdness. Leni feels hope at finally making a friend, “[t]he kind who had real things in common” (59). Matthew invites her to a barbecue at his family’s homestead, which Leni wants to attend. Leni’s family has always held itself apart, and she fears the family’s isolation will continue.

When Leni arrives home, she sees that people have come from Mad Earl’s compound to help the Allbrights continue setting up. Leni is excited to attend the barbecue later but disappointed she has nothing to wear. Meanwhile, Cora is worried due to Ernt’s violent jealousy.