Finding Langston

When Langston hears someone run up behind him on the street, he spins around, clenching his fists. It’s only Clem, who, like Langston, is going to the library, because his mother is working extra hours as a housekeeper. Langston wonders if Clem knows anything about Lymon’s recent ongoing absence from school, but Clem only shrugs, saying, “Ain’t my concern” (75). They continue walking together while Clem tells Langston about the series of adventure books he’s reading.

The boys part ways after arriving at the library. Langston had taken note of several names in Miss Fulton’s poetry book, and now he asks an unfamiliar librarian where to find the writers’ works. He scans the shelves of “the 800 section” (76) and sees a copy of Caroling Dusk, the book Miss Fulton showed him. Langston checks out that title, along with several others, and quickly leaves.

Langston is overjoyed to hear his father’s voice as he opens his apartment door. Henry has just returned and is talking with Miss Fulton. Following a warm hug, Henry asks Langston about the book in his hand.