Chapter 13 Summary and Analysis

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

The morning after the mayor learns about the pride festival plan, Jake is still shaken. Brett had texted that his parents confiscated his phone because they discovered he wasn't studying. Jake's mom offers to drive him and Jenna to McDonald's for breakfast, and they pick up Jenna on the way. During the drive, Mom tells a story about hearing cymbals crashing outside her window the previous night. Jenna admits she has been practicing cymbals and is considering trying out for drumline next year. Jake jokingly says Jenna is in love with Zack, the bass drummer, but Jenna clarifies that she is genuinely interested in percussion and has a plan to spend more time with Connor to figure out her feelings for both band and Zack. Mom reflects on not missing middle school crushes, and Jake accidentally says, "That reminds me—Brett said the mayor knows about our plan," which leads Jenna to tease him about having a crush on Brett. Jake denies it, but privately acknowledges that he knows Brett is bi, even though he can't tell Jenna that. He admits he thinks Brett is cute but insists he wouldn't join a marching band for him.

At school, Jenna notes that public support for the pride flag seems to be growing, with more people commenting positively on Susan Lee's post. Jake feels hopeful. In math class, Brett shares new intelligence he found on his mom's work computer: proposed legislation for the upcoming town council meeting. The legislation requires all permit requests for events on town property to go to a council vote, and it adds a provision that the mayor can cast a tie-breaking vote. Additionally, only residents eighteen or older would be allowed to propose events at town hall meetings. Brett suspects this is targeted at Jake's plan. Jake realizes that Mr. Foley, whom he had told about the festival, likely informed the mayor. Brett is exhausted and worried about his makeup test and his mom's reelection concerns. Jenna promises to ask her dad to talk to other council members, but Jake is skeptical.

In science class, students give introductory speech presentations. Zack's presentation is poor and disengaged, and even Jenna cringes. Brett's presentation is strong and clear, impressing Jake. Jake's own presentation is nervous, with sweaty palms and a shaky voice, leading him to doubt his ability to speak before the town council.

Key Events

Jake's mom drives Jake and Jenna to McDonald's, where Jenna reveals her cymbal practice and drumline ambitions.
Jake accidentally implies he has a crush on Brett, leading to teasing from Jenna and his mom.
Brett shares new legislation from his mom's computer: the mayor can cast tie-breaking votes on event permits, and only residents eighteen or older can propose events.
Jake suspects Mr. Foley informed the mayor about the pride festival plan.
Jenna observes a shift in community support for the pride flag.
Students give introductory speech presentations; Zack's is weak, Brett's is strong, and Jake's is nervous.

Character Development

Jake shows growing self-awareness about his feelings for Brett. He acknowledges privately that he knows Brett is bi but cannot share that with Jenna, highlighting his careful handling of Brett's identity. His public speaking anxiety becomes a central internal conflict, as he doubts his ability to advocate for the festival. He also takes responsibility for telling Mr. Foley about the plan, recognizing his mistake.

Jenna reveals a more independent side. She is genuinely interested in cymbals and drumline, not just in Zack, and she has a thoughtful plan to explore her interests. She also shows loyalty by promising to ask her dad to help with the council, and she notices the community's shifting support.

Brett is exhausted and stressed, dealing with his mom's disappointment and the pressure of her reelection. He still takes initiative by snooping on his mom's computer to gather intel, showing his commitment to the cause despite personal cost. His strong presentation in science reveals his competence and potential.

Mom provides warmth and humor, supporting Jake while also teasing him about his crush. She is actively working to gain support for the festival, as seen in her earlier efforts.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Political maneuvering: The mayor's proposed legislation is a clear attempt to control event permits and limit who can propose events, showing how power can be wielded through bureaucratic rules.
Public speaking anxiety: Jake's fear of speaking in front of the class mirrors his larger fear of addressing the town council, symbolizing the vulnerability of advocating for something personal.
First crushes and identity: Jake's hidden knowledge of Brett's bisexuality and his own feelings highlight the complexities of queer identity and disclosure.
Community support shift: Jenna's observation of changing comments on social media suggests a gradual acceptance, symbolized by the pride flag's growing visibility.
Friendship loyalty: Jenna's promise to help and her insistence on not leaving Jake alone reinforce the theme of supportive friendships.

Why This Chapter Matters

Chapter 13 escalates the central conflict by introducing new obstacles: the mayor's tie-breaking vote and age restriction. These rules directly threaten Jake's ability to propose the pride festival, raising the stakes. The chapter also deepens Jake's personal growth, as he confronts his crush on Brett and his fear of public speaking. The community's shifting support offers a glimmer of hope, contrasting with the political setback. Additionally, the chapter reveals Jake's mistake in trusting Mr. Foley, adding a layer of betrayal and consequence. This chapter sets up the need for a new strategy and highlights Jake's internal doubts, making his eventual triumph more meaningful.

Study Questions and Answers

1. How does the mayor's proposed legislation affect Jake's plan for the pride festival?

The legislation requires all event permits on town property to go to a council vote, and it gives the mayor a tie-breaking vote. Since the mayor is opposed to the festival, she could cast the deciding vote against it. Additionally, the age restriction means only residents eighteen or older can propose events, which would exclude Jake, who is in middle school. This makes it nearly impossible for Jake to officially propose the festival.

2. What does Jake's reaction to his science presentation reveal about his character?

Jake's nervousness during his presentation shows his fear of public speaking and his self-doubt. He worries that if he can't speak confidently in front of his class, he won't be able to address the town council. This reveals his vulnerability and the pressure he feels to advocate for something he deeply cares about, making his character more relatable and human.

3. Why does Jake suspect Mr. Foley told the mayor about the plan?

Jake had previously shared the pride festival plan with Mr. Foley. When Brett reveals that the mayor knows about the plan, Jake tries to make eye contact with Mr. Foley in class, but Mr. Foley avoids looking at him. This behavior, combined with the fact that Mr. Foley was the only adult Jake told, leads Jake to conclude that Mr. Foley informed the mayor.