Spoiler warning: this post explains the full ending of Flipped. If you have not finished the book, stop here and come back later.
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Quick answer: Bryce Loski, who spent years avoiding Juli Baker, finally realizes how special she is. To apologize for his cruelty, including throwing away the eggs she gave him, he plants a sycamore tree in her front yard, and the book ends with Juli coming out to see him as he digs.
Quick facts
– Book: Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen
– First published: 2001
– Type: A middle-grade novel
– Tone of the ending: Sweet
Table of Contents
What Leads Up to the Ending
Told in alternating chapters, the story begins in second grade, when Juli flips for Bryce. Bryce finds her annoying. As they grow older, Juli watches the world from her sycamore tree, which is cut down. Bryce's grandfather befriends Juli.
What Happens at the End of Flipped
Through his grandfather Chet, who admires Juli's spirit, Bryce starts to see that Juli is brave, honest and kind, while he has been a coward. He realizes he has been throwing away the eggs Juli gave his family because his father sneered at her family's messy yard, and Juli learns the truth and is crushed. Juli, meanwhile, starts to see Bryce more clearly too and wonders if she only liked his eyes. At a basket-boy auction, Bryce's clumsy attempt to kiss her makes things worse. Bryce writes notes and tries to apologize. Finally, he asks to plant a sycamore seedling in Juli's yard to replace the tree that was cut down. Juli comes outside, and as they plant it together, they start over.
The Ending in 4 Quick Points
- Bryce changes.
- Juli changes.
- The tree symbolizes growth.
- They become friends.
What Happens to the Main Characters
| Character | What happens to them |
|---|---|
| Bryce Loski | Plants a tree |
| Juli Baker | Reconciles with Bryce |
| Chet Duncan | Bryce's grandfather |
What the Ending Means
The ending shows the importance of seeing people for who they are.
Other Ways to Read the Ending
Readers love the alternating perspectives, which show how two people can live the same events and see them completely differently. Many say Chet's line about some people being 'iridescent' is the heart of the book.
Themes the Ending Brings Together
Perspective. Two views of the same events.
Growth. Both characters grow.
Family. Families shape the kids.
Is the Ending Happy or Sad?
Most readers describe the ending of Flipped as sweet. How you feel about it usually depends on what you hoped for the characters and what you expected Wendelin Van Draanen to do with the story, so it is worth asking friends how they felt before you compare notes.
Who Will Like This Ending
Readers who enjoy endings that are sweet will find a lot to talk about here. If you prefer every thread tied up neatly, it helps to know in advance how Wendelin Van Draanen closes the story, which is exactly why many readers look it up. Either way, the final chapters reward a second look once you know where everything is heading, because small details from the middle of the book start to matter. If you are reading with a group, agree beforehand whether everyone has finished, so nobody has the last chapters spoiled.
Book Versus Adaptation
The 2010 film by Rob Reiner moves the story to the 1960s and keeps the tree ending.
Discussion Questions About the Ending
If you are reading Flipped with a book club or a friend, these questions work well once everyone has finished:
- Did the ending surprise you, or had you seen it coming from the first chapters?
- What does the final scene say about perspective, and do you agree with Wendelin Van Draanen's view?
- Which character made the most important choice in the last part of the book, and was it the right one?
- How would the story feel if it had ended one chapter earlier or one chapter later?
- Does the ending leave you hopeful about the characters, or do you worry about what comes next?
- Would you describe the ending as sweet, or would you choose a different word?
How to Read the Final Chapters Again
- Compare the opening with the close. Look at how the first chapter introduces perspective and how the ending answers it.
- Track each final choice. The table above shows where every main character ends up, so ask which of those outcomes was earned.
- Notice what Wendelin Van Draanen leaves unsaid. Gaps in the last pages are often deliberate, and they are where most of the debate about the ending begins.
- Listen for echoes. Images, phrases or settings from earlier in Flipped often return in the final scene with a new meaning.
Questions to Ask Yourself After Finishing
- Was the ending of Flipped earned by what came before it, or did it feel sudden?
- Which character's final moment affected you most, and why?
- If you could change one thing about the last chapters, what would it be?
- Did the ending change how you think about the opening pages?
Check price of Flipped on Amazon
Books to Read After Flipped
- Wonder by R.J. Palacio
- Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
Related: Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen: Summary and Key Takeaways · What Age Is Flipped Appropriate For? A Parent’s Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at the end of Flipped?
Bryce Loski, who spent years avoiding Juli Baker, finally realizes how special she is. To apologize for his cruelty, including throwing away the eggs she gave him, he plants a sycamore tree in her front yard, and the book ends with Juli coming out to see him as he digs.
Is the ending of Flipped happy or sad?
Most readers call it sweet.
What does the ending of Flipped mean?
The ending shows the importance of seeing people for who they are.
Is the ending of Flipped the same in the adaptation?
The 2010 film by Rob Reiner moves the story to the 1960s and keeps the tree ending.
Who wrote Flipped and when was it published?
Flipped was written by Wendelin Van Draanen and first published in 2001.
Is Flipped worth reading if I already know the ending?
Yes, especially if you enjoy middle-grade novels. Knowing the ending can make a first read richer, because you notice how Wendelin Van Draanen prepares for it from the opening chapters.
Should I read Flipped before reading the ending explained?
Yes, if you plan to read it, because this post gives away the whole ending.