Recall
Who is telling the story in Part 2?
Via (Olivia Pullman)
Who gives August the astronaut helmet he used to love?
Miranda
Why does Via rarely complain or ask for help?
Because she knows her parents are focused on August and feels guilty comparing her problems to his.
What big life change happens for Via at the start of her section?
She begins high school.
Why does Summer sit with August at lunch the first time?
She feels sorry for him and wants to be kind.
Who is Via’s grandmother who passed away?
Grans
Why does Via feel especially close to her grandmother Grans?
Because Grans made her feel special and told her she loved her “more than anyone.”
What emotion does Via feel when she first sees August after being away in Montauk?
Shock — she suddenly sees him as others do and feels guilty for it.
Why does Via lie to her mom about how she gets home after school?
She doesn’t want to ride with Miranda and doesn’t want her mom to worry.
What “game” do some kids play that upsets Summer?
The Plague: if someone touches August, they have to “wash off” the touch.
What does Via compare her family to in the beginning of her section?
A galaxy where August is the Sun and everyone else orbits around him.
How does Via’s relationship with her mom change at the start of high school?
She feels neglected because her mom spends most of her time worrying about August.
What theme is shown when Via realizes she wants her own identity apart from August?
Growing up / independence / identity
What does August overhear on Halloween that makes him upset?
Jack Will says mean things about him behind his back.
Why does Summer leave Savanna’s Halloween party early?
She feels uncomfortable because Savanna and Henry mock her for being friends with August.
Who are Via’s two best friends that start drifting away from her?
Miranda and Ella
Who does Via begin to befriend at high school after losing Miranda and Ella?
Eleanor and the “smart kids” group (including Justin).
What theme connects both Via’s and Summer’s parts?
Empathy and kindness; seeing beyond appearances.
How does Via respond when August says he wants to quit school?
She convinces him to go back and not let the bullies win.
How does Summer react when August accuses her of pretending to be his friend?
She defends herself and proves she’s sincere — she’s friends with him because she wants to be.
What subject is Via proud to be reading that her dad teases her about?
War and Peace
Why does Miranda call the Pullmans even after drifting away from Via?
She still loves August like a little brother and wants to check on him.
How does Via show maturity by the end of her section?
She supports August after the Halloween incident and encourages him to return to school despite her own issues.
How does the Halloween event connect Via’s and Summer’s stories?
Both experience moments of truth: August is betrayed by a friend, and Summer chooses loyalty and kindness over popularity.
What important conversation do Summer and August have about death and being reborn?
Summer shares her belief that souls get a “do-over” when reborn, and August jokes that maybe next time he’ll be handsome — showing his courage and humor.