Dexter’s first day of school is off to a rough start, as he finds himself already angry with the principal, secretary, janitor, and the kids who laugh at him. When his teacher asks the class to write a story, Dexter makes up a tough persona, claiming he’s already been in a fight. But as the story unfolds, it’s unclear how much of it is true. Why was the other boy crying before Dexter hit him, and why does the boy still want to be his friend?
What I really like about this story is how Dexter starts uncovering unexpected truths about himself. As he deals with family problems, a persistent teacher, and a boy with a strange interest in floor wax, he learns more about what’s behind his tough exterior. It’s a mix of humor and self-discovery that makes you realize how much more there is to Dexter than he lets on.