What’s Up With the Ending?

The final chapter fast-forwards a few months to midsummer so we can see how everything worked out.

Abby got her wildlife habitat or, at least, some long grass in the backyard. Scooter is still scootin'. And Crash—well, Crash seems to be a much better person, spending his sneaker money on gifts for his mom and clipping coupons to help her out with the shopping.

In a few short sentences, we learn that Jane Forbes has invited Crash to her Fourth of July party and—last, but not least—Crash and Penn Webb have become besties.

This fast wrap to the novel confirms a lot of what we could already see coming: Crash is changing, and it's for the better. We don't need to see all these scenarios play out in detail, but it's nice to have Crash's transition verified so there's no question in our minds.