Mr. Terupt Falls Again

This section approaches the novel’s climax by progressing each character’s narrative arc. The Importance of Parental Support for Children and the negative effects of withholding information from loved ones are further explored in this section, particularly in Peter’s argument with his mother. During this argument, Peter tells his mother that she does not really even know him. She is usually busy, and neither of his parents seems interested in asking his opinions about matters. Peter places all of this blame on his parents, however, without considering the role he plays in this dynamic: He is too afraid to tell his parents what he wants. In fact, he is willing to tell an admissions officer, whom he has never met, what he wants even though he is unwilling to tell his friends or his family. Because of the entire family’s refusal to share their true feelings with each other, they are estranged even when they are living together. The tension around where Peter will go to school is not alleviated after their confrontation, as it’s not clear whether Peter’s parents will respect his decision.

As the incident with the exchange students in Chapter 8 shows, Lexie’s character is still not developed to the point that she can stand up for herself and demand proper treatment. Her primary concern is to fit in and be liked, and she allows this to eclipse her basic right to respect. When the boys make fun of her, she becomes uncomfortable and does not know how to respond. Peter gets angry on her behalf, but Lexie will not stand up for herself. Instead, she tries to laugh it off with them. Eventually, she escapes to the bathroom. All of this demonstrates that she still has an immature view of what it means to be admired and how to get that admiration.

The main problem that Jessica faces in the novel is her semi-estranged relationship with her father. Her father left her and her mother, and this causes some internal strife for Jessica when she sees Lexie trying to garner attention with her body. This reminds Jessica of her father’s girlfriend, whom she resents. Rather than let that tarnish her relationship with Lexie, however, Jessica rises above her feelings and gives her friend some helpful advice. She sees that a woman stole her father away with her looks, but she understands that Lexie is not immoral just because she wants the boys’ attention. In this way, she takes the lesson that she learned from her parents’ failed relationship and uses it to help Lexie. She puts friendship over her personal grudges, exactly as Mr. Terupt would want her to do.

Life’s Lack of Fairness and the Need to Stand Up to Injustice is shown through different characters’ responses to Terri’s unplanned pregnancy. Terri’s own parents did not want her to keep the baby, and she eventually becomes estranged from them. Danielle’s parents unfairly held a grudge against Terri in Book 1, and Danielle’s grandparents still hold a grudge against Terri for most of this novel. One woman, Leila Mae, however, sees others’ judgment of Terri as unjust. Because of this, she gives Terry and Anna a chance. With Leila Mae’s financial support, Terri is able to give Anna a lot of attention, and Anna does not suffer from a lack of parental communication. In all stages of the novel, when someone withholds forgiveness or empathy, negative consequences ensue. When people offer forgiveness and empathy however, everyone has a better outcome. In this case, Leila Mae’s generosity and empathy have positive consequences that help both Terri and Anna.

Lexie has learned the importance of helping, as when she helps Lisa when Brandon is drunk. However, like other characters in the novel, she does not know exactly how to get the help she needs. Instead of going straight to an authority figure, she and Peter find their own solution by putting mud in Brandon’s tailpipe. They do this to avoid confrontation and make sure that Brandon does not drive with Lisa while intoxicated, but it is a risky choice. Luckily, the authorities are on hand, and Lexie has learned not to go along with the teenagers’ dangerous behavior.

The most dangerous and climactic event of the novel happens when Grandma Evelyn collapses. Buyea portrays the fear and suspense of the moment by including brief sections from each character in rapid succession. When Evelyn falls, most of the characters do not know who is in danger, but they are all concerned. Evelyn being the one who falls is a plot twist; most of the characters think it is Mr. Terupt since his health has been in question throughout the novel. The episode reveals another surprise, which is that Terri and Charlie are EMTs. This allows the characters to see them in a new light. When Evelyn is safe, the novel resumes its normal pace. However, one tension that remains is the farmers’ talk about banding together with guns to fight the Moonsuc if necessary. By layering conflict in this way, the novel maintains narrative balance and connects the characters’ stories to larger social issues.