Chapter 8 Summary, Analysis, and Study Notes

⚠️ 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 week after the basketball game drags by. On the ride home from the game, Jenna gives the narrator a play-by-play of the dramatic finish, in which Robbie Johnson scored a last-second layup to win. The narrator's parents don't press him about why he stepped outside and missed the end.

On Wednesday, Brett moves to the back of the bus to sit near the narrator and Jenna. Jenna is wary at first, keeping her back to him, but by Friday she turns and asks him what music he's listening to—a small but meaningful thaw. On that Friday ride, Brett tells Jenna the story about the pastor's comments at the basketball game, and Jenna reacts with outrage, wishing they could have a pride parade to push back. The narrator then reveals that Mayor Whitfield stopped by his house the day before to talk to his dad about the flag. Brett is surprised; the narrator explains that the mayor was polite, saying she personally liked the flag but was worried about the message it sends to the community. Jenna scoffs at the idea of a