6. In this chapter, Jonas is waiting and watching throughout the first day of the ceremonies. First, he watches as the 1's are given names and are handed to their families. Gabriel, however, was given another year of nurturing in the nurturing center. Gabriel was to spend the nights with Jonas's family, but they were made to sign a form saying that they wouldn't get to attached to him. In the Ceremony of 1, a child named Caleb was give to a family. That family had lost their child, Caleb, and was getting a replacement for him. Jonas then sat quietly through the ceremonies of 2's, 3's, and 4's. They then had a break for lunch in-between the ceremonies. Then, Jonas sat in his sane seat for the ceremony of 5, 6, 7, and ,the last of the first day of ceremonies, 8. Jonas watched as his sister, Lily, walked on stage proudly to receive her jacket. This jacket was was a sign of independence because it had pockets for the first time. In the pockets, 8's could keep their first small belongings. The next day began with the ceremony of 9. 9's were granted their bikes and every 9 rolled the bike off the stage . Fritz, a very awkward child, almost crashed into a podium as he rolled his bike off stage. He was awkward because he wore his shoes backwards, misplaces his schoolwork, and never studies for tests. Many older kids offered to help the 9's with their bikes, but secretly they all had been taught. The day followed with the ceremony of 10. At ten, one would get a haircut. Girls would lose their braids and boys would lose their " long childish hair". At eleven, kids would only be given new clothing. Girls new undergarments and boys new shorts with a pocket for a calculator. Then, everybody had another break for lunch. All 12's were very anxious for their turn and were talking about what they thought they would be assigned. At the end of the chapter, Jonas is wondering about his job and Asher's. He is very excited for the break to end.

Summary 6