42 pages 1 hour read

Alex Gino

Rick

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2020

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Chapters 9-16

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 9 Summary

On Monday, Rick asks Melissa about her gender, hoping to find clarity for himself. Melissa responds that it was difficult to be someone other than herself. She asks Rick why he goes to Rainbow Spectrum since Jeff is anti-gay—and by association, Rick might be, too. Rick has no answer for her, except that he continues attending, even turning down Jeff’s invitation to play video games. However, his dual identities and lies to Jeff are wearing on him.

At the Rainbow Spectrum meeting, Mr. Sydney introduces the acronym QUILTBAG+ as an alternative to LGBTQIAP+. The group also discusses goals for the year: The students want to add more QUILTBAG+ resource books to the library. As a fundraiser, the group decides to hold a talent show called Rainbow Spectrum Cabaret Night. Rick ponders whether quarter spinning counts as a talent but hesitates to sign up because of Jeff. Later, Rick avoids sitting with Rainbow Spectrum students on the bus ride home.

Chapter 10 Summary

During Rick’s next visit, Grandpa Ray makes popcorn and Rick ponders recent events at school. They watch Rogue Space. Afterward, Rick hesitantly comes out to Grandpa Ray as questioning asexual and/or aromantic. Grandpa Ray accepts him easily.