54 pages 1 hour read

Ben Mikaelsen

Petey

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1998

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Part 2, Chapters 20-23Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 2, Chapter 20 Summary

After a brief and awkward interaction during which Trevor’s parents speak to Petey as if he were a child, Trevor rushes Petey back to the nursing home. Trevor expresses to Petey his disappointment and embarrassment, and Petey reminds Trevor he once treated Petey that way before they really knew each other. When they return to the nursing home, Petey gestures toward the photo album created for him at Warm Springs. When they turn to a photo of Calvin, Petey names him as “Ike,” and Trevor asks where he is, but Petey admits he does not know. Petey acknowledges another photo of Calvin and repeats the nickname again. It occurs to Trevor this person was a significant figure in Petey’s life. Trevor takes the album with him to ask around to the staff at the nursing home, but no one recognizes Calvin.

Trevor busies himself with his fundraising efforts all summer. Trevor’s walks with Petey offer them both the opportunity to engage with their community. As Petey and Trevor become a regular fixture on their walks, gradually the pair draw positive attention from the citizens of Bozeman. Throughout the summer, Petey’s wheelchair continues to break down, its integrity deteriorating so far as to require rescue by the nursing home van on one occasion.