78 pages • 2 hours read
Steve PembertonA Chance in the World
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2012A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Part 2Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Part 2: “A Mysterious Past”
Part 2, Chapter 17 Summary
Steve goes to the Department of Social Services with Mike, who calls several prospective homes that might take Steve temporarily, but without luck. Steve suggests Mr. Sykes, a teacher in the Upward Bound program who was always kind to him. Mr. Sykes agrees to let Steve come stay with him for a few days. Steve begins to understand that he will never have to return to the Robinsons. His life now has options that he has never known.
Part 2, Chapter 18 Summary
Mike takes Steve to Southeastern Massachusetts University. Mr. Sykes is a popular, funny, beloved teacher with long hair. He asks Steve to call him John. As they leave for John’s home in Westport, Steve remembers a quote from one of the books he received from Mrs. Levin: “There are other ways that people live in this world” (104).
Part 2, Chapter 19 Summary
John has a cot for Steve to sleep on in his living room. That night in the dark, whenever Steve hears a car on the street, he goes to the window, worried that it might be Reggie.
