Things were pretty quiet until she mentioned skin cancer and Billy raised his hand. Billy was the type who liked to speak up at least one time every class. Sometimes he actually had something to say. This wasn't one of those times.

"Ms. Toland," Billy said, "isn't it true that some people can't get skin cancer?"

"What do you mean by 'some people,' Mr. Vecoli?"

"Well," Billy glanced at Ahmed sitting next to him and then back at Ms. Toland. "Like you."

"Like me?"

"Yeah," Billy nodded energetically. "You can't get skin cancer."

"I can't?"

"No. African Americans can't get skin cancer. That's what I've heard."

Ms. Toland studied Billy for a moment. "That's an interesting comment," she said. "Before we go any further, maybe we should hear other opinions. Not just about skin cancer, but about cancer in general. Anyone?" She looked around the room. "Manny?"