Chapter 27 Summary: Key Moments and What They Mean
⚠️ 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
Around lunchtime, Jake's mom knocks on his door and announces they're going for a ride, with the promise of Taco Bell bean burritos. Jake eagerly joins, but his suspicion grows when his parents reveal they attended an open house. Jake immediately assumes they're moving, and he feels furious and hurt, especially after his dad's earlier pep talk about staying in Barton Springs. His parents quickly clarify that they're not moving—they went to meet realtor Susan Lee, who listed the property. They then drive to the park, the same spot where they first planned the pride festival.
There, they show Jake a page from the Barton Brief. It's not an article but a full-page advertisement for Susan Lee's mayoral campaign, featuring a photo of Jake and Jenna and excerpts from their interview. Jake is shocked; he thought Susan had scrapped the interview after the council vote. His parents explain they confronted Susan about using minors in political ads without parental permission, which is illegal. Susan arrives and apologizes directly to Jake, acknowledging that she used him and Jenna as spokespeople without their knowledge. She explains her hope that the council would see their hopeful faces and break free from the mayor's control, but instead the rejection exposed who truly runs the town. She points out that Barton has hosted other June festivals in the past, arguing there's room for a pride festival.
Dad then shares that the petition has gained over eight hundred signatures, thanks in part to Uncle Jeremy and Aunt Bonnie spreading it on Facebook. Susan offers to secure business sponsors, but stresses that they need a venue not owned by the town and not afraid of the mayor. As they drive home, Jake sees a pride flag lawn sign at Ashley Ortega's house. He takes it as a sign that the town might be changing, and he texts Jenna and Brett to meet him on his front porch.
Key Events
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Jake's parents take him for a ride and reveal they attended an open house, which Jake mistakes for a move.
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They clarify they met with realtor Susan Lee, not to buy a house but to confront her.
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At the park, they show Jake a newspaper ad for Susan Lee's mayoral campaign that uses his and Jenna's photo and interview excerpts.
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Susan arrives, apologizes, and explains her motives: she wanted the festival to boost her campaign and hoped the council would defy the mayor.
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She notes that Barton has hosted other June festivals, arguing there's room for a pride festival.
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Dad reports the petition has over eight hundred signatures, with help from relatives on Facebook.
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Susan offers business sponsors but says they need a venue not owned by the town.
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On the way home, Jake sees a pride flag lawn sign at Ashley Ortega's house and takes it as a sign.
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Jake texts Jenna and Brett to meet him on his porch, signaling his desire to reconcile and continue the fight.
Character Development
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Jake moves from anger and confusion to a renewed sense of purpose. He initially fears his family is leaving Barton Springs, but after learning the truth, he processes Susan's apology and the petition's success. Seeing Ashley's pride flag gives him hope and prompts him to reach out to Jenna and Brett, showing his willingness to mend relationships and keep pushing for the festival.
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Mom and Dad demonstrate unwavering support. They take proactive steps to protect Jake by confronting Susan about the illegal use of minors in ads, and they share the petition's progress, reinforcing their commitment to the cause.
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Susan Lee is revealed as a more complex figure. She apologizes sincerely, admits her political ambitions, and acknowledges the mayor's control over the council. Her offer of business sponsors shows she's willing to help, though she also highlights the practical challenge of finding a venue.
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Jenna is absent from the chapter, but Jake's guilt about their earlier argument and his decision to text her indicate his desire to repair their friendship.
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Ashley Ortega appears indirectly through her lawn sign, symbolizing that support for pride exists beyond Jake's immediate circle.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
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Political manipulation: Susan's ad uses Jake and Jenna's images without permission, highlighting how individuals can be exploited for political gain.
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Community petition: The petition's rapid growth shows grassroots support and the power of collective action.
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Venue independence: Susan's insistence on a venue not owned by the town underscores the need to work around the mayor's influence.
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Persistence: Despite the council's rejection, the characters continue to find ways to make the festival happen.
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Pride flag symbolism: Ashley's lawn sign becomes a beacon of hope for Jake, representing visible support and the possibility of change.
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Town transformation: Dad's comment that the town might be changing reflects the theme of gradual progress.
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Family support: Jake's parents actively advocate for him, showing that family can be a source of strength.
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Mayor's control: Susan's explanation reveals the mayor's behind-the-scenes power over the council.
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Reconciliation: Jake's texts to Jenna and Brett signal a move toward healing and teamwork.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter is a turning point in the novel. It resolves the immediate conflict over the newspaper ad and clarifies Susan Lee's role, while also reigniting Jake's determination. The petition's success and the sight of Ashley's pride flag give Jake tangible evidence that his efforts matter, and his decision to reach out to Jenna and Brett sets the stage for renewed collaboration. The chapter also deepens the theme of community change, showing that even small signs of support can inspire hope.
Study Questions and Answers
- Why does Jake initially think his family is moving, and how does his reaction reveal his feelings about Barton Springs?
Jake thinks they're moving because his parents mention attending an open house. His immediate anger and hurt show that, despite his frustrations with the town, he has developed a deep attachment to Barton Springs and isn't ready to give up on it. 2. What does Susan Lee's apology reveal about her character and the political dynamics in Barton Springs?
Susan's apology shows she is willing to admit her mistakes and explains her motivations: she wanted to use the festival to boost her campaign and hoped the council would defy the mayor. Her explanation reveals that the mayor holds significant control over the council, and that Susan sees the festival as a way to challenge that control. 3. How does the pride flag lawn sign at Ashley Ortega's house affect Jake, and what does it symbolize for the story?
The sign gives Jake hope and serves as a sign that the town might be changing. It symbolizes that support for pride exists beyond his immediate circle, reinforcing the idea that community transformation is possible and encouraging Jake to continue his efforts.