
Scott travels down a treacherous river, trying to run away after an encounter with his abusive stepmother. Meanwhile, Shelby falls in love with a horse that's been abused and abandoned.
Troubled Scott is brought to the school against his will, as Peter learns that the bank is foreclosing on the school property.
As the students are recruited to help search for a six-year-old girl lost in the woods, Auggie tries to learn the reasons behind Shelby'a apparent unconcern for the child.

Peter visits his father while in New York trying to get a loan, and back at the school the students dread taking their PSATs.