Reading worksheet for Section 5 of Flipped

Bryce realized his mistakes through his growing guilt and the influence of his grandfather, who encouraged him to look deeper into Juli’s character. He saw how much effort and care Juli put into raising the chickens and providing him with eggs, which made him feel ashamed of his dismissive and dishonest behavior. To make up for his mistakes, Bryce started reevaluating his feelings for Juli and contemplating ways to show her he cared, including attempting to plant a sycamore tree to honor her love for nature.

Grandpa helped Bryce see Juli differently by highlighting her strong values, independence, and passion for life, qualities he admired and thought Bryce could learn from. Their conversation was significant because it challenged Bryce’s superficial judgments and encouraged him to recognize what truly matters in a person. It marked a turning point in Bryce’s personal growth and his understanding of what makes Juli special.

Juli and Chet’s relationship became closer during their discussions about the sycamore tree and her chickens. Chet empathized with Juli’s loss of the tree and admired her determination and deep connection to nature. Their shared values and understanding allowed Juli to open up to Chet, and his encouragement helped her feel supported and valued in a way she hadn’t experienced from Bryce or his family.

How does the sycamore tree serve as a metaphor for Juli and Bryce's evolving relationship, and what does Bryce's decision to plant a new tree symbolize in terms of his growth?

The sycamore tree represents stability, growth, and Juli’s deeply rooted values. Its destruction parallels Juli’s disillusionment with Bryce, as she begins to see his flaws and question their connection. Bryce’s decision to plant a new tree symbolizes his desire to rebuild trust and show Juli he has changed. It reflects his growing maturity and understanding of what truly matters—valuing others’ passions and putting effort into meaningful actions. The act of planting the tree suggests hope for renewal and a stronger, more authentic relationship based on mutual respect and personal growth.