Chapter 17

Summary

In Chapter 17 of a historical fiction set during WWII, Hobie and his younger sister June start the school year while their father is away at war. Hobie struggles with school, classmates, and worries about his dad, who he hasn’t heard from. Tensions rise when a classmate mocks him, but Hobie receives a letter from a nurse at Pearl Harbor, informing him that his dad's dog Duke saved lives during a battle. Hobie reflects on different forms of bravery as he seeks comfort from his Uncle Trig, learning life lessons along the way.

Takeaways

• 📚 Duke June starts her first day of second grade, excited about being the top speller of the year.
• 👨‍🏫 Hobie enters his new sixth-grade class where Mr. Case is a strict teacher with high academic expectations.
• 📝 Mr. Case emphasizes vocabulary, math, and current events with a unique activity called 'Friday Fives' for extra credit.
• 📖 The class reads and analyzes a poem called 'Autumn' by T.E. Hulme, sparking discussions about vocabulary and imagery.
• 💬 At lunch, Mitch confronts Hobie about his father being a prisoner of war, making an uncomfortable situation for Hobie.
• ✉️ Hobie receives a letter from a nurse in Pearl Harbor, explaining how Duke saved Marv's life during a battle on Guam.
• 💔 The letter from Marv describes a tough battle where Duke, the dog, took bullets meant for Marv, showing bravery.
• 🚲 Overwhelmed by emotions, Hobie rides his bike to Fisherman's Terminal and talks with his Uncle Trig, who offers comfort.
• 🛠️ Uncle Trig shares life lessons with Hobie, teaching him that everyone learns their own tough lessons in life.
• 🌊 Hobie reflects on different types of bravery—his father's, grandfather's, uncle's, and his own—realizing personal growth.

Q & A

What is the significance of Duke in the story?

Duke is a dog who plays a vital role in the war, saving Marv's life by taking bullets meant for him during a battle in Guam. Duke is highly regarded, and his bravery impacts both Marv and Hobie deeply.

Why does Hobie feel conflicted during lunch at school?

Hobie feels trapped and uncomfortable when Mitch brings up his dad being a prisoner of war and taunts him with the expectation that a 'true American' would escape. Hobie is conflicted about how to respond, feeling defensive but also uncertain about his father's situation.

What role does Uncle Trig play in Hobie’s life?

Uncle Trig is a calming and supportive figure for Hobie. After learning about Duke's injury and other emotional struggles, Hobie confides in his uncle, who helps him process his feelings by working together on the boat. Uncle Trig shares life lessons, easing Hobie’s burden.

How does Hobie deal with the pressure of the news about Duke and Marv?

Hobie feels overwhelmed and unsure how to handle the gravity of the situation. To cope, he rides his bike aimlessly, letting out his frustration and confusion, eventually finding comfort in talking to Uncle Trig and helping with boat repairs.

What is the meaning of the poem Mitch reads in class, and how do the students interpret it?

The poem describes a scene in autumn, with vivid imagery of a 'ruddy moon' and stars with 'white faces like town children.' The class, led by Mr. Case, discusses the meaning of 'ruddy,' referring to the moon's reddish color, and the poem evokes a photograph-like image for some students.

How does the school setting reflect the characters' relationships and challenges?

The classroom environment reflects the social dynamics between characters, such as Hobie's tension with Mitch and his developing friendships with other students. Mr. Case's strict but encouraging teaching style adds to the pressure Hobie feels to perform well academically while dealing with personal issues.

Why does Hobie feel a sense of change after his conversation with Uncle Trig?

Hobie experiences a shift from boyhood toward maturity during his conversation with Uncle Trig. He reflects on responsibility, mistakes, and bravery, learning that everyone has their own path and challenges, which helps him come to terms with his own struggles.

What lesson does Uncle Trig share about his own life experience?

Uncle Trig shares a personal story about how he lost part of his arm due to a mistake when he was young, not following his father’s strict rules on the boat. He explains that each man learns lessons the hard way, implying that mistakes are a natural part of life.

How does Hobie relate his father’s bravery to his own experiences?

Hobie reflects on different types of bravery, realizing that while his father fights in the war, his own kind of bravery involves making difficult decisions and facing challenges at home. This introspection helps him better understand and accept his role in the family and his father’s absence.

What does the letter from Marv reveal about the war and Duke's condition?

The letter from Marv reveals that both he and Duke were injured in a battle on Guam, with Duke heroically taking bullets meant for Marv. Marv reassures Hobie that Duke is recovering and being treated well, but the letter also hints at the harsh realities of war.