How does Uncle Hammer handle this situation (involving Stacey’s coat), and why do you think he does this—is it because he’s a mean person? What experiences might you guess Hammer has had to make him so wary of being taken advantage of by others?

In Chapter Seven, when Mama asks for Stacey's coat to shorten the sleeves, he has to admit that he has lent it to TJ until he grows into it. TJ was making fun of him, calling him preacher because of the way the coat fit. Mama wants him to get it back, but Uncle Hammer tells Stacey that if he is stupid enough to give his coat away, then TJ can keep it permanently; Stacey will not survive in the world if he lets people take things from him.