Most good stories start with a fundamental list of ingredients: the initial situation, conflict, complication, climax, suspense, denouement, and conclusion. Great writers sometimes shake up the recipe and add some spice.
Exposition
Howdy Neighbor
When Bryce's family moves onto Juli's block, we've got two second-graders who might get to be new friends. Right away, we learn that Juli has a huge crush on Bryce… but Bryce is not so into Juli. Uh oh—looks like trouble already. This opening scenario definitely sets us up for some conflict in the future.
Rising Action
Playing Keep-Away
As they grow up, all Bryce wants is for Juli to leave him alone. And all Juli wants is for Bryce to pay a little attention to her. They just can't see eye to eye, though, so we've got a fair bit of conflict going on. Plus, things get even more complicated when you throw in a controversial sycamore tree and some homegrown eggs. For Bryce and Juli, it's all about figuring out whether they can learn to get along.
Climax
Stay Away / Pucker Up
We've got two big climactic events in this story. The sad climax is that Bryce is a jerk about Juli's uncle, so Juli stops liking Bryce. The happy climax is that Bryce realizes what a fool he's been about Juli all these years, so he tries to kiss her. On the mouth. In front of a bunch of eighth-graders. All the emotions in this book have been building to this one big moment… but then Juli doesn't let Bryce kiss her. So maybe this happy climax is actually a sad one too?
Falling Action
The Aftermath of the Almost-Kiss
After Bryce tries to kiss Juli, his buddy Garrett ditches him. And then Juli won't talk to him. But Bryce starts trying really hard to figure out how to show Juli that he's a seriously changed dude. With Bryce turning into a better person, the conflict in this book is starting to get all wrapped up.
Resolution
Back to the Sycamore Tree, Folks
By the end of the book Bryce is in love with Juli and Juli is… not sure about Bryce. Bryce proves that he's a new man (well, tween) by planting a sycamore tree in Juli's front yard. And what happens next? Your guess is as good as ours. This story doesn't end with a ton of resolution, but if we have to guess, we're voting that the two lovebirds are on the path to romance. After all, Juli does seem open-minded about Bryce again.