The Secret Battle of Evan Pao

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of bullying and racism.

Evan uses the word “fixin’,” irritating Celeste. He defends himself, saying he is trying to fit in, but Celeste argues they cannot change their origins. She complains that a boy likes her only because she seems “different” and “exotic,” even though he does not know her. Evan says it is better than being hated, but Celeste counters that someone liking someone else without knowing them is just as bad as someone hating someone else without knowing them. She expresses her desire to graduate early and leave Haddington, which is upsetting to Evan.

At dinner, Uncle Joe joins the family. Elaine mentions Evan’s math test success after Celeste shares her biology test news, revealing she is in frequent contact with their teachers. Evan becomes angry as he questions Elaine’s knowledge about the heirloom project and Mrs. Norwood’s suggestion he act as a scribe for Battlefield Day.

Celeste criticizes the heirloom project, pointing out how it excludes Black students and others without ties to the Civil War. Joe interjects that their ancestor’s involvement in the Chinese Civil War should count. He offers to let Evan bring a grenade from their great-grandfather, but Celeste insists it would get Evan expelled.