53 pages 1 hour read

Roland Smith

Zach's Lie

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Part 3, Chapters 17-21Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 3: “Zach in the Box”

Part 3, Chapter 17 Summary

Zach does not want to go with Mary and Wanda to a book convention in Los Angeles, but Mary refuses to let him stay home alone. Zach suggests he stay with Sam. Mary conditionally agrees if Sam approves. Sam is happy to have Zach board in an extra room at the Nevada Hotel. He, Zach, and Catalin will then spend the weekend at Benat’s sheep camp. Mary surprises Zach by mentioning his fight with Peter, and Zach adds “Eventually” to Peter’s phrase “Everyone knows Everything about Everyone” (102), which refers to Elko’s close-knit community.

In homeroom, Zach sees “Commander IF was here!” written in red on the chalkboard (147). The teacher is angry. Zach thinks of three possible explanations: another person has an imaginary friend with the same name, Neil was trying to contact him, or Wanda told a friend whose little sibling is playing a joke on him. Zach believes it is Wanda’s fault. The real culprit is Peter: He read Zach’s journal. He internalized his father’s gambling advice and is playing a waiting game, keeping his knowledge secret.

Darrell suggests they sneak into the auditorium’s unlocked balcony and watch the auditions for The Opera Ghost, even though students are not allowed to attend.

blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
Unlock IconUnlock all 53 pages of this Study Guide
Plus, gain access to 8,600+ more expert-written Study Guides.
Including features:
+ Mobile App
+ Printable PDF
+ Literary AI Tools