47 pages • 1 hour read
Deenie
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Chapters 1-5Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of emotional abuse, bullying, and ableism.
Chapter 1 Summary
Seventh-grader Wilmadeene “Deenie” Fenner is on her way to a modeling agency to try and get signed as a model. Her mother Thelma pushes Deenie to become a model, claiming that she has natural beauty that will make her famous, while her other daughter Helen has brains. Deenie’s father Frank is supportive, but he understands that Deenie is unsure about wanting a career in modeling. Before their appointment, they stop by a newsstand owned by Old Lady Murray, a woman that Deenie is scared of because she has a spine condition.
Later, while Deenie and her mother are waiting at the agency, Thelma fusses over Deenie. The casting agent who eventually interviews Deenie is friendly, but she notes an issue with Deenie’s posture and tells them that she will need to consider the young girl’s application. After they leave the agency, Thelma is upset at Deenie and encourages her to take her interviews more seriously.
Chapter 2 Summary
That night, Deenie’s best friends Janet and Midge call her to tell her about their day at the mall. They ran into Harvey Grabowsky, a popular ninth-grader they admire, and Deenie wishes she had been with them.
The following Monday, Deenie gets ready to try out for cheerleading.
