The Reformatory: A Novel

Robbie, Redbone, and Blue return to the dormitory just as curfew begins. Boone leads the boys to their respective dorm wings and briefs Robbie on the house rules.

In the Lincoln wing, the boys listen to the radio show Amos ’n’ Andy. Robbie enjoys the show even though his parents told him not to listen to it because of its racist overtones. Redbone and Blue help Robbie get settled in the bunk beds, and Robbie puts on an air of aggression to fit in with the others. Robbie hides his boots in his locker and remembers the business card in his sock. Believing that Loehmann doesn’t really want to help him, Robbie destroys the card.

In the shower line, Robbie senses his mother’s presence, so he quietly calls out to her. The other boys shove past him, so he goes into the shower. He smells a foul odor that sickens him, so he tells his mother how much he hates the Reformatory. Two boys tell him to toughen up.

In the bunk room, Robbie wonders why no one escapes when the windows are left open. Redbone tells him about the patrol dogs. Robbie is relieved that Cleo is too old to stay in the Lincoln wing.