The Man Who Loved Clowns

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of bullying, disability, ableism, and death.

On Sunday, Delrita goes to church with her family. In the car, her mother encourages her to be friends with Avanelle. Delrita feels bad about disappointing her mother, but she can’t tell the truth—she doesn’t have any friends because she is ashamed of anyone at school knowing about Punky. 

When they arrive at church, Delrita is surprised to see Avanelle there with her siblings and mother. Delrita and her family meet Avanelle’s older brother, Tree. Punky tells him that he looks like Ronald McDonald because of his curly red hair. Delrita is embarrassed, but Tree just laughs.

After the service, Delrita chats with Avanelle’s mom and Tree. Tree plays football at school and asks if Delrita is going to their next game, but she’s never been to a school football game. Punky teases Birdie, but she doesn’t mind. Delrita is starting to like the Shacklefords. Mrs. Shackleford is pregnant, and while they’re all talking, Punky puts his hand on her belly and calls her fat. Delrita is so mortified that she runs out of the church to wait for her family in the car.