Contents
Chapter 19
Overview
In a prelude from Ella’s perspective, a classroom group project exposes her isolation and bullying. Brittany evades partnering with Ella, and Anton refuses to work with her, leaving Ella effectively alone. Brief thoughts about being locked in a closet and squalor at home confirm neglect and deepen the portrait of her abuse.
Summary
Ella narrates a “before” scene in earth science, where the class is assigned a rock-classification group project. While Mrs. Bush begins pairing students alphabetically, Ella hopes to avoid the embarrassment of being left without a partner.
Initially matched with Brittany, the most popular and high-achieving girl, Ella feels relieved. Brittany immediately maneuvers out of the pairing by claiming a carpool need with Crystal, and Mrs. Bush accommodates her, reassigning Ella to Anton Peterson.
Anton openly insults Ella, saying her smell makes him want to throw up, but Mrs. Bush keeps the pairing. After class, when Ella tries to coordinate, Anton refuses and walks away, effectively abandoning the project to her. Ella’s inner thoughts reveal squalor and control at home—garbage covering her desk, worms in stored peaches, and evenings locked in a closet—underscoring ongoing neglect and why she’s used to working alone.
Who Appears
- EllaNarrator of the flashback; isolated, bullied at school, hints of severe neglect and being locked in a closet at home.
- BrittanyPopular, high-achieving student who dodges partnering with Ella by invoking a carpool excuse.
- Anton PetersonAssigned as Ella’s partner; insults her openly and refuses to participate in the project.
- Mrs. BushScience teacher assigning partners; allows Brittany’s switch and keeps Ella paired with Anton despite his complaint.
- CrystalBrittany’s preferred partner, cited for carpooling to justify switching pairs.