Section 3 (Pg. 53–90)
Where were Henry and his dad living before they moved to Vancouver?
What is Port Salish?
Why is Henry’s dad upset when Henry is late?
p. 96
I’m not dumb. I knew what had been going through his mind when he came home and I wasn’t there. Once you have a suicide in the family, it doesn’t seem like such a stretch to believe that it could happen again. You start to think of it like a flu virus. It could spread.
He’s worried because, after Jesse’s suicide, he fears something could happen again.
What activity makes Henry realize Farley is a good friend?
Answers may vary. Collecting bottles together; Farley includes him and treats him kindly.
What goes wrong during Henry’s visit with his mom? Pg 144 - 168
Answers may vary.
Case of the furies. Henry's expectations for a reunion do not pan out the way that he thought they would. Dr. Dumas' session reveals the tension between their realationship.
“For the first time since IT happened, I felt lucky to have at least one parent to go home to.” Pg. 136
What does this quote reveal about Henry?
Answers may vary.
- Despite all that has happened, Henry realizes Farley’s loneliness and feels grateful for his dad.
What insight does Cecil share to Henry after Henry shares about the “crazy lady”?
“She makes me sad. I keep thinking, was she alwayslike this. Or did something happen to her along the way. Maybe she has a husband somewhere, and kids. Do they know where she is. Do they know she’s lost her marbles?” P. 69
Henry is worried that his mom might end up like the woman in the building: confused, lost, or unable to take care of herself. Cecil thinks that Henry see that his comments reveal his fear that his mom is getting worse, while Henry thinks Cecil is making meaning out of nothing.
Why does Henry dislike the replacement therapist, Carol?
She is overly cheerful and doesn’t understand his emotions.
What does Henry mean when he says “maybe I don’t need an upgrade after all”?
Answers may vary.
He realizes Farley is a true friend, not someone to trade in for someone “cooler.”
How is Henry’s mom dealing with grief differently?
Answers may vary.
She shuts down, blames herself, and becomes overwhelmed; she can't function.
“My tear ducts have been working overtime lately.” pg. 96
What theme does this reveal?
Answers may vary.
Grief - Henry is overwhelmed and emotionally exhausted. Also realizes that his dad has been grieving and hurting like him.
What figurative device is used here: "I tried to run toward him, but it was like I was running through pea soup.” (39)
What is a simile?
What theme is shown when Henry cries with his dad on page 96?
Answers may vary.
Grief & family — they are both hurting but trying to support each other.
Why does Henry feel “lucky” compared to Farley?
Farley's parents aren't around; Henry, at least has his dad.
Why is Henry angry that his dad had coffee with Karen?
He feels betrayed because he doesn’t want his dad to move on or talk to others; Dad is letting an "outsider/vulture" enter their lives, intruding on their privacy.
This was the best weekend of my life. And also the worst. pg. 134
Which figurative device is used in this quote?
Foreshadowing
Events of the weekend (date with Alberta), as well as nightmare and realization Henry has ( pg. 142).
What does the flashback on pages 75–77 reveal about Henry?
Answers may vary.
It was the day Henry stopped looking up to Jesse/felt ashamed of him.
Why is Henry so upset that Karen is in the apartment?
Answers may vary.
He hates people invading their privacy and feels embarrassed and judged.
How does the baking date with Alberta bring new problems?
Answers may vary.
While Henry cares about and wants to be honest with Alberta, there are some things he isn't ready to share with her.
What does Henry finally realize about Cecil (pg. 169–170)?
Henry realizes that while Cecil may bot be a great psychologist, he's a great listener. - growth in their relationship as well
I’ve got a brilliant idea. And it is all thanks to Hayley Mills.
She is the star of the original version of a movie called The Parent Trap. pg. 114-115.
What's Henry's brilliant idea?
Bonus: What device is used here?
Answers may vary.
Reunite his parents by planning the best date night ever (GWF Smash-UP Live).
Why does Henry think Jesse “ruined his life” (pg. 84)?
Answers may vary.
Jesse’s actions forced Henry to move, lose friends, and live with guilt and grief.
Identify the figurative device: Henry compares suicide to a “flu virus that could spread.”
it shows how fear and trauma can affect the whole family.
What is the significance of the crossed-out text on page 143?
Answers may vary.
It shows Henry denying painful truths and avoiding emotions he's not ready to face.
On pages 174-175, what is the strange thing that happens between Troy and the boys?
Bonus: What figurative device is used in this section?
Answers may vary.
Troy appears to "turn over a new leaf" and acts nicely towards them, which the boys thought was weird and strange.
Also an example of foreshadowing!
"But it’s kind of like the first car you buy. It gets you from A to B, but from the moment you own it, you’re constantly dreaming of the day you can get an upgrade." pg 8
On page 122, after spending the day collecting bottles with Farley, Henry remarks that “maybe I don’t need an upgrade, after all.”
What is the significance of these two quotes?
What specific events from this section (116-124) shows how Farley treats Henry as a friend?
Answers may vary.
- Changing nature of Henry's relationship with Farley. Begins to see and appreciate Farley's dedication and sacrifice in their friendship.