Chapter 13: Dad, Papa, and the Choice to Fight
⚠️ 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 Arthur's phoenix flare, Harriet Marblemaw confronts him on the porch, claiming the explosion damaged a window. Zoe magically shoves her into the guesthouse and locks her in. Arthur cancels classes to the children's joy, then explains that Marblemaw works for Jeanine Rowder, who intends to use the children to gain power. Sal insists the children have a right to know the danger and challenges Arthur's tendency to shield them. Sal points out that Arthur cannot fully understand Sal's experience as a Black magical person. The children collectively decide to call Arthur “Dad” and Linus “Papa.” David, the yeti, is offered a place as a son but says he’s not ready, and Arthur reassures him. Sal proposes to frighten Marblemaw rather than remove her, using the government’s weaponized fear against her. Lucy surprisingly agrees to be kind. Zoe hints at a deeper magical plan she is considering.
Key Events
- Marblemaw confronts Arthur about the fire; Zoe telekinetically forces her into the guesthouse.
- Arthur reveals that Marblemaw is an agent for Jeanine Rowder, who plans to exploit the children.
- Sal insists the children be told the truth and argues that Arthur's protection cannot cover every aspect of their lives.
- The children formally adopt Arthur as “Dad” and Linus as “Papa.”
- David hesitantly accepts membership in the family but cannot yet call Arthur “Dad”; Arthur assures him he is loved regardless.
- Sal proposes to use fear against Marblemaw rather than banish her, aiming to turn the government's tactics back on them.
- Lucy expresses a desire to be nice, claiming it calms his spiders.
- Zoe hints at a secret plan involving deep fairy magic that she cannot yet reveal.
Character Development
Sal emerges as a natural leader and mediator. He articulates the complexity of navigating three worlds (human, magical, Black) and insists that the other children be treated as partners, not just wards.
Arthur begins to release his overprotective grip, acknowledging that he cannot be everything for his children and must trust them to make their own choices.
Linus fully accepts the role of “Papa” and shows emotional vulnerability, crying when the children name him.
David takes a major step by agreeing to stay, even though he is not ready to call Arthur “Dad.” Arthur’s gentle acceptance respects David’s grief for his biological parents.
Lucy surprises everyone by arguing against killing and choosing kindness, showing growth from his earlier villainous posturing.
Zoe reveals the possibility of immense power, hinting at a plan that might involve ancient fairy magic.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Found family – The children’s collective choice to call Arthur “Dad” and Linus “Papa” cements their bond as a chosen family, independent of legal adoption.
Identity and intersectionality – Sal’s speech about being Black, magical, and human highlights that Arthur cannot truly understand all facets of his children’s lives, and that trust requires acknowledging those differences.
Fear as a weapon – The government uses fear to control magical beings; Sal proposes to turn that weapon back on Marblemaw, using the children’s supposedly “monstrous” appearance to unsettle her.
Protection vs. partnership – Arthur’s instinct to shield the children clashes with their desire to fight alongside him. This chapter marks a shift from paternal protection to mutual trust.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 13 is a turning point for the family dynamic. The children are no longer passive beneficiaries of protection; they demand agency and contribute to the strategy. Sal’s leadership is cemented, David’s integration into the family begins, and Zoe’s mysterious plan raises the stakes. The decision to weaponize fear rather than use violence sets a moral boundary and prepares for a psychological confrontation with Marblemaw. The chapter also deepens the theme of chosen family by having Arthur and Linus formally adopted as fathers in all but legal paperwork.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Sal insist that Arthur tell the children the full truth about Marblemaw and Rowder?
Sal argues that the children have a right to know because they are the ones being targeted. He points out that Arthur cannot protect them from everything, and that they need to be partners, not just wards. This moment forces Arthur to trust his children as collaborators.
2. How does David’s reaction to being offered a father figure differ from the other children’s?
David is not ready to call Arthur “Dad” because he still grieves his biological parents and feels he hasn’t been with the family long enough. Arthur respects that hesitation, promising David will always have a place without needing to replace his birth family. This shows that found family can include continued love for biological relatives.
3. What does Zoe’s hint about a plan suggest about her power and role?
Zoe mentions a plan that “cannot be undone” and speaks of deep magic tied to fairies thought extinct. This suggests she may possess abilities far beyond what she has shown, possibly involving the fabric of reality. Her secrecy builds suspense about how she intends to protect the island.