He's a year older than his classmates, because he was held back in second grade.

a comic-book nerd

Witness this new-made world, another Heaven From Heaven-gate not far, founded in view On the clear hyaline, the glassy sea; Of amplitude almost immense, with stars Numerous, and every star perhaps a world Of destined habitation […]

You can try boiling water for that spaghetti on the hot stove, but it might take a few hours.