38 pages • 1 hour read
Gary PaulsenA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Chapter Summaries & Analyses
JonPaul comes over to hang out at Kevin’s house after school. Kevin thinks they’ll relax and watch a movie, but JonPaul’s germophobia and compulsive behaviors preclude that. He’s too focused on washing his football uniform and perfecting his nutrition plan to listen to Kevin’s questions about Tina. Kevin decides he’s had enough of JonPaul and needs to get rid of him by playing on his fears. He pretends JonPaul is exhibiting signs of an allergic reaction to the organic peanut butter he’s eating, and hints at all the terrifying health crises the fabricated symptoms could indicate. Kevin tells himself that pushing JonPaul to extreme paranoia will help him recognize how ridiculous he’s being and enable him to embrace a more realistic view of his health.
The next day at school, JonPaul says he went to the doctor and got allergy tests. The results showed he wasn’t allergic to anything but not wanting to take any chances, he took an EpiPen from Markie, Kevin’s four-year-old neighbor. Kevin knows this is problematic for Markie and plans to make sure Markie’s family has a backup EpiPen. He does, however, reaffirm his rationalization for lying to JonPaul, convincing himself he’s making his friend a happier, more rational person.
Featured Collections