Boy Overboard: Chapter 6 Summary & Analysis

Jamal and Bibi wait in the living room for their parents to scold them. Bibi apologizes for causing the problem, and Jamal says it’s okay and compliments her on her goal. Jamal hopes that their parents are happy Bibi got exercise playing soccer, but when he sees their expressions, his hopes fades. Instead of scolding them, however, Jamal and Bibi’s parents give them both a big hug and tell them how much they love them. Their mom is crying, and Jamal does not understand why; he guesses that she is sad about their dead relatives. Then their dad tells them they have to leave their house that night and never return.

Jamal is shocked and thinks his parents are overreacting. He thinks it’s about getting in trouble with Mr. Nassar, but their dad says it’s far more serious than that. Jamal then guesses that it is about the petrol their dad bought from another taxi driver, but their mom explains that the government found out about the school. Jamal realizes that their living room does not have any of its normal school supplies in it. Jamal thinks he knows how the government found out: every day, their dad transports girls to and from their home, and someone must have seen them. Their father hugs them again and says it’s too risky to stay; they have to leave immediately.