At the beginning of the novel, students are given the opportunity to be independent of the adults in their lives. Because of the mix-up with the substitute teacher, Mr. Fabiano’s sixth grade class takes advantage of the situation and chooses to be independent for the day. As Chapter 9’s title states: “KIDS RULE!!!” (34). However, the students’ desire for independence gets tested consistently. For example, the students in Mr. Fabiano’s class must produce a plan for how they will notify other sixth graders about their independence so that nobody tattles on them. For the class to maintain their independence, they must let others feel as though they are a part of it, too. Also, when Sky, the new kid, gets hurt at recess, the students must fix the issue so they can continue without adults. Missy, whose dad is a doctor, cleans and bandages Sky’s wound so that he wouldn’t have to go to the nurse. This prompts a student to say “KIDS RULE! Who needs the teacher? Who needs the nurse? Huh? Who needs any grownups at all?” (84).

Rachel’s desire to be an airplane pilot symbolizes that independence is important to the students. As she studies how to become a pilot, she reads “Solo

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