Jem's Adolescence Begins

Jem turns twelve and becomes moody, inconsistent, and difficult to live with. He tells Scout to stop pestering him and to start acting like a girl. Scout feels hurt and alienated. Calpurnia explains that Jem is growing up and will want more time to himself. The summer begins without Dill, who writes to say he has a new father and will be staying in Meridian. Scout is devastated. Atticus is called away to an emergency session of the state legislature, leaving the children in Calpurnia's care. The absence of Dill and Atticus, combined with Jem's new distance, leaves Scout feeling lonely and adrift.