Content Warning: This section discusses racism.

Through Lawrence’s journey throughout the text, he learns of the importance of having support from his friends. After he is forced to change schools, leaving his old friends behind, he struggles to fit in at Andrew Jackson Middle School, instead lashing out at other students who bully him until he is expelled. However, by committing himself to going to the rec center and helping Mr. Dennis, he meets new friends who help him mature and develop.

At the rec center, Lawrence becomes friends with Deuce and Twyla, who help him at various points in the novel. Although he starts out having a conflict with Deuce—the two fight and refuse to talk to each other—he eventually learns that he and Deuce are very similar in the way they lash out at others due to their problems at home. Through their shared love of music, Lawrence and Deuce become best friends, learning to support each other and help each other through difficult times. When Lawrence hesitates at the chess tournament, unsure if he belongs there, Deuce supports him, telling Lawrence, “Don’t let these kids intimidate you.