This first chapter introduces all the main characters and several of the supporting characters. Tiger Ann Parker is turning 13 and lives in rural Saitter, Louisiana with her mother, Corrina; her father, Lonnie; and her grandmother, whom she calls Granny. Both of Tiger’s parents have intellectual disabilities. Her mother’s sister, Aunt Dorie Kay, is visiting from Baton Rouge. Tiger’s best friend, Jesse Wade Thompson, is over at her house as well. When Aunt Dorie Kay buys a television and has it delivered, Granny is judgmental about it. However, Tiger is elated because her family is decidedly working-class, and the television seems like an extraordinary luxury.

At church, Tiger feels embarrassed by her mother, who is the object of teasing; Corrina talks unusually loudly, and the congregation laughs. Corrina joins in the laughter, but Tiger believes the congregation’s laughter was mocking, not affectionate. Tiger also feels embarrassed by her grandmother, who sleeps during the service. After the service, the community gathers for a picnic. Tiger is a talented baseball player, but, at the picnic in the middle of a ball game, she makes the abrupt decision to stop playing after realizing she is the only girl in town who still does; she leaves in the middle of the game.