Summary

The chapter introduction reveals that this book, written by Flannery O'Connor, is Amelia's favorite, though A.J. calls her Amy in this note. He tells Maya that people generally lie about big things, such as politics, God, and love, but if A.J. says if you ask a person, "What is your favorite book?", you can find out everything you need to know about that person.

Maya gets the chicken pox just before she starts Kindergarten. A.J. is upset with the mother who told him that the chicken pox vaccine was optional; he now wishes he had just gotten it. On the third day of Maya being sick, A.J. picks up "The Late Bloomer" because it is closest to him. He is desperate to read anything he can get his hands on just...