By Ralph Fletcher The Book Flying Solo Chapter Summaries 29 REPACK

A Review of Flying Solo by Ralph Fletcher: Chapter 29

Flying Solo by Ralph Fletcher is a realistic fiction novel that takes place over one day in a sixth-grade classroom at Paulson Elementary School. The novelâs plot centers around a class having no teacher for the day when the substitute never shows up. With no adult supervision, emotions run high between the students, especially since it is the six-month anniversary of a classmateâs death.

In this article, I will summarize and analyze chapter 29 of Flying Solo, the final chapter of the novel. I will also discuss some of the themes and messages that the author conveys through this chapter and the novel as a whole.

Chapter 29 Summary

Chapter 29 is narrated by Rachel White, the protagonist of the novel. Rachel is a smart and quiet girl who loves to read and wants to be a pilot when she grows up. Rachel has been diagnosed with selective mutism; she has taken a purposeful vow of silence since the death of classmate Tommy Feathers, who died of natural causes exactly six months ago on October 28. Tommy was in love with Rachel and gave her presents almost daily. However, Rachel harshly rejected Tommy the day before he died. Rachel now feels a deep sense of guilt and sadness and does not want to speak. She writes notes and uses hand gestures to communicate, mostly using her best friend, Missy, as her voice.

In chapter 29, Rachel decides to break her silence and speak for the first time in six months. She does this after witnessing a touching scene where Bastian Fauvell, a brash and bullying boy who is moving to Hawaii, gives his dog to Sean OâDay, a kind and gentle boy who loves animals. Bastianâs gesture moves Rachel to tears and makes her realize that people can change and that life is precious. She also remembers Tommyâs words to her before he died: âYou have such a beautiful voiceâ (Fletcher 144).

Rachel stands up in front of the class and says âThank youâ to Bastian for giving his dog to Sean. She then says âIâm sorryâ to Tommyâs empty desk, expressing her regret for hurting him. She also says âI love youâ to Missy, her loyal friend who has supported her throughout her silence. Rachelâs words stun and inspire her classmates, who applaud her courage and compassion. Rachel feels a surge of relief and joy as she finally lets go of her guilt and grief. She also feels a connection with Tommyâs spirit, who she believes is watching over her.

The chapter ends with Mr. Fabiano, their regular teacher, returning to the classroom. He is surprised and impressed by how well his students have managed the day without him. He praises them for their responsibility and creativity and tells them that they have made him proud. He also notices Rachelâs smile and wonders what has changed in her.

Chapter 29 Analysis

Chapter 29 is the climax and resolution of Flying Solo. It wraps up the main conflict of the novel: Rachelâs struggle with her silence and her feelings for Tommy. It also shows how the other characters have grown and learned from their experiences during the day.

One of the main themes of Flying Solo is responsibility. The novel explores how the students take charge of their own learning and behavior when they have no teacher for the day. They decide to run the class themselves, following Mr. Fabianoâs instructions and routines as much as possible. They also deal with various challenges and conflicts that arise during the day, such as bullying, cheating, peer pressure, honesty, friendship, grief, and forgiveness. They learn to respect each otherâs differences and opinions and to work together as a team.

Another theme of Flying Solo is tolerance and acceptance. The novel portrays how the students cope with diversity and adversity in their lives. They come from different backgrounds, cultures, religions, abilities, interests, and personalities. They also face various problems at home or at school, such as divorce, poverty, abuse, illness, death, loneliness, fear, anger, or insecurity. They learn to empathize with each otherâs situations and feelings and to support each other through their hardships.

A third theme of Flying Solo is change and growth. The novel shows how the students change and grow as individuals and as a group during the day. They discover aa16f39245