“You can choose to go to Catholic High School along with some of your St. Michael’s classmates, or choose mysterious Public School!”

When given the choice between attending high school with people he knows versus a high school that is completely unknown, Aiden chooses the unknown: This suggests how much he hated middle school. The use of game show imagery underscores how much his decision feels like rolling the dice—Aiden has no idea what public school will be like and, regardless of his decision, it feels like the odds are against him.

“We have lots of talks, and (my mom) encourages me all the time, but sometimes she asks me for advice, and I don’t know what to say. Especially when she talks about problems with my dad, which happens a lot. And on the rare occasion my father actually speaks to me, it’s usually to complain about Mom.”

This quote is accompanied by a full-page image of Aiden drowning in his mother’s tears. The combination of text and image conveys how Aiden is completely overwhelmed by the situation at home. He doesn’t have answers for the problems in his own life, let alone his mom’s. His home doesn’t feel like a safe place because of his parents’ constant conflicts, and makes things that much more difficult.

“I’m not as strong, but I have good form. Elias powers us through the water, but my paddle guides the canoe, and I’m really good at turning quickly.”

Throughout the text, Aiden frequently compares himself to others unfavorably. However, when he is removed from others’ prejudice and alone with Elias, who is kind and accepting, Aiden is better able to see his own value. Rather than comparing himself to Elias and feeling inadequate because he isn’t as strong, he recognizes that he has technical ability that complements Elias’s skills and makes them a good team.