This sounds like a great question to answer about the reliability of Nick as a narrator. On one hand, he seems to be a very honest character. But, on the other hand, he will always have an innate bias based on his feeling towards certain characters and events.
Conflict:
Gretchen says she will win the race rather than squeaky.
Exposition:
In Harlem, a young girl who is a talented runner, is responsible for caring for her disabled brother.
Rising Action:
Squeaky meets Gretchen and her sidekicks on the street and tells them she will win the race. Mr. Pearson wants Squeaky to let Gretchen win. Waiting for the race to begin, Raymond lines up to run on the other side of the fence.
Climax:
Squeaky sees Raymond running “in the family tradition.”
Falling Action:
Squeaky realizes that coaching Raymond to become the best runner he can be is more important than her own winning.
Resolution:
After Squeaky is announced as the winner, she smiles at Gretchen and Gretchen smiles back!
