How do the students react to the news that they’re going to have their own textbooks this year? The books are in bad shape, so they are disappointed especially Little man. What does this reveal about the conditions at their school?

The students are initially excited about getting their own textbooks. Upon receiving them, they discover that these books were old and rejects from the white school. The information is dated and racist. The old books reflect the condition of the old ramshackle school.