Linked

This section features three students’ points of view: those of Link, Dana, and Jordie, with transcripts of Adam’s interviews in between Link and Dana’s chapters. These chapters function as contrasts that show two ways of engaging with the world. On the one hand are the students and residents of Chokecherry, who are putting tremendous effort into creating a meaningful and positive response to bigotry. On the other are people like Adam, who exploit tragic situations for their own gain.

Link’s chapter notes the rapid growth of the paper chain thanks to contributions from all over town, causing it to outgrow the school’s storage capacity. This chapter mainly focuses on the paper chain project’s growth, but it also highlights Link’s character development as he prepares for his bar mitzvah. Being in contact with the rabbi proves Link’s honest attempts at engaging with his Jewish side. Notably, Link’s parents do not push him: It is Link who chooses to learn, who actively engages, and who stands by his choice to have the bar mitzvah and embrace his Jewishness. The rabbi helps Link understand The Importance of Collective Memory, and though it frightens him now that Link has a better understanding of the history he’s trying to connect with, Link’s commitment shows his sincerity. This development makes the later revelation of his guilt all the more shocking, and although regret does not undo the harm he caused, it adds depth and honesty to his subsequent confession and remorse.

Link’s chapter is followed by the transcript of Adam’s interview that paints the sheriff and the town in a bad light. The sheriff holds his ground, affirming that they are doing everything possible to catch the person responsible and praising the paper chain project, against Adam’s aggressive attempt to reduce the entire town to the actions of, presumably, one person. While he finds fault and negativity, the sheriff attempts to uplift and give hope to the community he leads. These contrasting chapters show Adam’s personality and motive for being in Chokecherry, and they show the general community response to him, which shifts between a willingness to engage and a firm pushback against his claims. As the story progresses, the Chokecherry residents grow less tolerant of his behavior, reflecting their increasingly strong stance against hate, both real and manufactured.

Following the first ReelTok transcript is Dana’s chapter, in which she expresses appreciation for what the project has taught her: namely, that she does not have to carry the Jewish people’s history alone. Contributions from around the country and the world show how the project has inspired others, regardless of their background, to care and to act, which builds the theme of The Power of Individual and Community Action. As she previously noted, bigoted people exist: This is evidenced not only by the swastikas but also by the eighth grader who accosts her while she is walking home. However, the town is choosing not to be defined by bigotry by overwhelmingly participating in the project. Dana also feels less like she is in the spotlight, compared to the beginning of the book; she acknowledges that, as her father points out, people will eventually move on to other issues. Some of these issues may be frivolous, indicating a lack of commitment to activism, but they can be proud of what they have accomplished even when they are aware that there will always be more work to do. Dana’s thoughtful reflections and conversations are followed again by Adam’s negative and self-centered commentary, a juxtaposition that shows him as a clear outsider without Chokecherry’s best interests in mind.

In the final chapter, Jordie reveals the reason for his and Pamela’s breakup: They argued over going to Link’s bar mitzvah. Link’s observation in Chapter 11, that Pamela’s expression seemed to contradict her words, reverberates with their conversation as relayed by Jordie. Pamela was not planning to attend the bar mitzvah and does not support Link connecting with his Jewish heritage. Jordie’s narrative slowly builds to the climactic moment her locker is opened, which casts a new light on all her past words and actions. Jordie’s response shows that despite what he said about the breakup, he still cares about her, to the extent that he is willing to lie for her and take the blame for the swastikas. Right before this, he fully believed in her innocence; this shows that he truly had not considered that Pamela could be the culprit. This speaks to a certain level of obliviousness on the part of Pamela’s peers, but it is also an example of the fact that bigoted people do not necessarily look or act a certain way. Unlike Pouncey’s family, who are openly described as violent “jerk[s],” Pamela has only shown small signs of her true beliefs. The next chapters explore The Complexity of Motives as more information about Pamela comes to light.