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My comments on Chapter 30 (Theo):

> Theo’s recognition that this might be his last morning. And then the hug with his dad. This chapter packs an emotional punch. 

> The humor surrounding the three boys in the scene at the Helmer’s place is such a great play against the backdrop of anticipation and worry. Playing patty-cake with a thunderbolt, ha!

> So much amplification of the tension. First, Portia says there’s a problem–right before her call ends abruptly. Then the bouncy castle is in use already. Then the planetarium (!!!) requires setup in the middle of a storm. Then the need for a heavy, awkward tire for insulation. Then meeting Principal Latimore en route with the tire, and then having her show up on the roof at the exact wrong time.

> “The world goes dark.”   I am guessing anyone who thought they would just read to the end of this chapter and then close the book ’til next time changed their mind right here. 

@Jena Harper: “Mono” is mononucleosis, a virus that makes people feel super tired and sick for several weeks, and it usually affects younger people instead of older adults. I don’t know anything about an Open School Night as I came from a smaller town and the school’s “neighbors” were at least a half-mile away! But it sounds like a fun way to show off the school and get people to support education. I’m glad @Jade had nice things to say about chinchillas as they are one pet I’ve never had. I’m pretty certain GRK is trying to include every possible rodent, sooner or later, in his books. Ferrets and hamsters and rabbits and squirrels and beavers have all made appearances… but this might be his first chinchilla mention!

@Jade, I was thinking the *exact* thought about Theo and Delgado school spirit!