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Yeah, there is a lot of stuff about being an outsider in many of Gord’s books. Honestly, it’s inspiring to see these people make friends all of the time. Makes it feel a little bit more possible for me. It probably is a commonality! Kids who read books are more often than not loners/don’t have many friends if any. At least, at my school. In 6th grade, I used to read books all of the time, walk in the hallways reading a book, my nose always in between two pages. I’d always be alone looking at nature, reading a book, or both. Which is why I had very few friends. In 7th grade, one of my best friends, Sam* would always read a book too. She preferred reading over talking to anyone, I think. We both still read now, but we talk about books together and with Ruby* who brought us together. It’s nice now. But it is a commonality.

Anyway, Chapter 3! We’re back to Coral Reef now. This chapter talks a lot of how he’s different and how he doesn’t think he belongs, not anymore. The facts about him not being in the wrong (DECLAN) but still feeling guilty because it was him who imposed on their lives. And the things about the world not stopping even when yours crashes down. I haven’t experienced it before, but… it’s so weird to watch that happen. Like when an aunt or uncle passes away, you don’t just go to sleep forever. You get up the next day and the day after that even if it starts to feel a little grey. But life is ruthless and it just… goes on. Doesn’t stop for you. That’s the hard part.

A mental breakdown is a great way to excuse Theo’s memories. Jaws! He’s such a great rabbit. I like him even though he can’t even talk. The short part about Coral Reef’s hamster, Vanilla, was really sad. Like, really sad. And the part of him forgetting his mother was very well done. I would be extremely mad at myself if I began to forget my own mom, especially if she was the only one I had my entire life. There’s just something different than recognizing a picture and remembering. It’s the difference between retelling a story your mom told you than actually remembering being a part of the story. It’s just like his entire life was a boat that flipped over and he’s not strong enough or determined enough to flip it over again. Like he’s fine with wading in the waters for a while. Maybe even the rest of his life.

— Kickball was a really good introduction to that. And as someone who played Kickball in 5th grade, that’s kind of relatable. I wasn’t a fanatic or anything, but I was there.

What did y’all think of this chapter?

Be blessed,

Jade

*Not their real names.