Auggie & Me

“There’s no rule book that tells you how to act in every given situation in life, you know? So what I always say is that it’s always better to err on the side of kindness. That’s the secret. If you don’t know what to do, just be kind.” 

This quotation shows Mr. Tushman’s approach to teaching children. He believes that children are capable of profound things if they are supported by adults. Rather than isolate his students from Auggie, he believes that being around Auggie is an opportunity for them to grow.

“That’s the thing about being scared, though. You can’t control it. When you’re scared, you’re scared.”

As children grow up, they learn how to cope with their fears and anxieties in healthy or unhealthy ways. Julian’s parents have tried to remove triggers for Julian’s fear. This doesn’t work in the long term because there are things outside of their control. As Julian talks with Mr. Browne and Grandmère, he learns that he can still be kind even when he is afraid.

“I didn’t say it, of course, but even though she changed the skies to light blue on the photos, all I ever really remembered about our Hawaii trip was how cold and wet it was when we were there–despite the magic of Photoshop.” 

Throughout Auggie & Me, children show that they are capable of authentic connection and discernment. Deep down inside, Julian knows that getting rid of Auggie in the class photo will not erode his fear any more than his mother’s Photoshopping of photos from his family’s vacation.

“That’s the problem with stuff like this—everyone keeps trying to top one another, and then things escalate out of control.” 

Julian’s conversation with his headmaster and principal shows how his hateful acts grew. Julian’s behavior is not excused, but the passage illustrates the complex way that bullying can develop. Julian becomes consumed with winning the social war against Auggie and Jack that he never stops to consider the magnitude of his actions. It’s not until he sees the final three notes in front of him that he realizes how bad they look. Even then, Julian is so caught up in the conflict that he doesn’t take responsibility for his actions.

“As I looked around the lobby, I had a blip of a memory—that day before school started, when me, Jack Will, and Charlotte had met up here before meeting our “welcome buddy” for the first time. I remember how nervous Jack had been that day, and how I didn’t even know who Auggie was. So much had happened since then.” 

Julian’s social groups have changed, and he feels his anxiety resurging as middle school brings about new dynamics. He feels out of control over his circumstances and doesn’t take ownership of his actions. This quotation shows how, from Julian’s perspective, things between him and Auggie developed unintentionally. From Julian’s limited point of view, it becomes evident how he feels little control over the situation.

“Sometimes it’s good to start over. A fresh start gives us the chance to reflect on the past, weigh the things we’ve done, and apply what we’ve learned from those things to the future. If we don’t examine the past, we don’t learn from it.”

Mr. Browne approaches Julian’s bullying with grace, understanding that Julian is still a child. Julian’s emotional maturity is still developing, and Mr. Browne recognizes Julian’s fear and anxiety, providing an objective view of Julian’s experience. Instead of getting angry with Julian, Mr. Browne calls out the best in him and inspires him to do better in the future.

“Did you ever consider that maybe you were just a little afraid of Auggie, Julian? Sometimes fear can make even the nicest kids say and do things they wouldn’t ordinarily say or do.”

This quotation contrasts Mr. Browne’s approach to Julian with the way his parents treat him. While his parents try to shield Julian from his fear, Mr. Browne invites him to explore it. Only by exploring the root of his emotions is Julian able to realize why he is treating Auggie hatefully and how he can change.

“Sometimes we hate the things we are afraid of.”

Grandmère’s simple honesty helps Julian see the error of his ways. Auggie & Me brings to light the understanding that there is nothing wrong with being afraid. Problems only arise when that fear turns into hurtful behavior. For Julian to realize that it’s okay for him to be afraid, just not to be hateful, is an important step in his character development.

“You will learn from your mistake, too. You must promise yourself that you will never behave like that with anyone else again. One mistake does not define you, Julian. Do you understand me? You must simply act better next time.”

Grandmère’s story is proof that children can learn from their mistakes and improve in the future. Grandmère used to make fun of and ignore “Tourteau,” until she became close with him while he hid her from Nazi soldiers. She is so impacted by his kindness that she ends up naming her son after him. This gives Julian hope for his future, realizing that he doesn’t need to write himself off like he feels his classmates have.

“It’s such a mysterious place, the land of tears.”

Quoted from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, author of The Little Prince at the beginning of Part 2, where the second story begins with the title “Pluto.” Christopher’s story in “Pluto” navigates complex emotions as he struggles with pent-up emotions. He hasn’t processed his frustration over the move to Bridgeport or his parents’ divorce. While exploring sadness is not an enjoyable process, Christopher’s story shows that it is an important one.

“This was the first time I realized how different Auggie was from the rest of us. It wasn’t the last time, though. Like breathing and swallowing, crying comes automatically to most kids, too.”

Christopher’s story explores the disappointments and sorrows that children face. Auggie cries because the girl was afraid of him, and later cries when he finds out Pluto wasn’t a planet. Christopher breaks down when he feels guilt for his parents’ car accident. “Pluto” shows that tears and sorrow are a natural part of life, not something to be repressed.

“I got used to the new house in Bridgeport, though. My new friends. Luke the hamster that’s not a dog. But what I missed the most about North River Heights is that my parents seemed together then.”

Like many children, Christopher is learning to navigate switching to two households instead of one. It becomes clear that part of why Christopher is resisting talking to Auggie is because it makes him feel sad about his parents’ separation.

“My favorite types of books have always been mysteries. Like, you don’t know something at the beginning of the book. And then at the end of the book, you know it. And the clues were there all along, you just didn’t know how to read them. That’s what if felt like after talking to Auggie. Like this colossal mystery I couldn’t understand before was now completely, suddenly solved.” 

Christopher is struggling to remember things in school and to keep up with his homework. While talking to Auggie helps him work through math problems, it also provides an emotional connection with a friend. His relationship with Auggie helps Christopher focus on his work. He has released his emotions and is comforted, and it is easier for him to move onto other things, like school.

“Even if I looked like a total dweeb at the spring concert, I couldn’t let John down like that. That’s what friends are for, right? It’s the final countdown! Some friendships are hard.” 

By reconnecting with Auggie, Christopher remembers how special authentic friendships are. Even if people look at him differently when he’s around Auggie, it’s more than worth it to have such a kind and fun person as his friend. This reminder gives Christopher the courage to decline the “cool” kids’ offer to join their band and stick with John. This quotation shows that in their hearts, children want to do the right thing. Sometimes, they just need a reminder that gives them the courage to do it.

“There were a lot of questions I would have asked him if I hadn’t been afraid of him. But I never asked. I just gave him one-dollar bills.”

Charlotte’s story shows how fear can keep people from connecting with one another. Later, Charlotte’s fear of ostracization keeps her from connecting with Auggie and Jack. As she matures, Charlotte lets go of her fears. She realizes the difference between just being “nice” to people and truly connecting with them.

“My mom’s the one who suggested that a good way to ‘channel’ my energy would be to start a coat drive in our neighborhood to benefit homeless people.” 

Charlotte’s enthusiasm is regularly misunderstood. Her classmates think she’s a goody two-shoes, and even her own family gets weary when she insists on searching for Gordy Johnson. While the coat drive is a noble goal, this quotation shows how easy it is for adults to misinterpret what a child is going through.

“What I liked was that he was one of those teachers that never talks to you like you’re some little kid. He always uses big words, assuming you know and understand them, and he never looks away when you’re talking to him. I also loved that he wore suspenders and a bow tie and bright red sneakers.”

Mr. Tushman knows that children aren’t adults. However, he believes that they are capable of more than adults might give them credit for. He does not talk down to children or assume that they don’t understand. Charlotte’s quotation shows how deeply meaningful this can be for children.

“All around the cafeteria, people were doing the exact same thing we were doing at our lunch table: staring at Auggie and Summer eating together. We were literally only a few hours into middle school, but people had already started calling him the Zombie Kid and Freak. Beauty and the Freak. That’s what people were whispering about Summer and Auggie. No way was I going to have people whisper stuff behind my back, too!”

This quotation shows how much the fear of fitting in can influence a child. Charlotte knows that what other kids are calling Summer and Auggie is wrong. However, she is so afraid of having people say similar things about her, that she doesn’t have the courage to stand up to them. Charlotte’s story shows how much courage it takes to stand up, even if you know you will be made fun of.

“I don’t think she was even trying to be mean when she said this. That’s really just how a lot of people automatically referred to Auggie Pullman.” 

Ximena’s example demonstrates how unintentionally children can perpetuate hurtful behavior. When she calls Auggie a “freak,” she isn’t intending harm. She has become so used to people calling Auggie derogatory terms that she doesn’t even think twice about it. This quotation shows how kindness requires intentional effort, even amid social pressure.

“‘It was from a long time ago. I forgot it was even there,’ said Ximena. I was so used to the dimple in her left cheek by now that I never confused when she was serious with when she was joking anymore. I would say her expression right now was definitely remorseful.”

This quotation shows that it is easy to misinterpret people when you don’t know them. While Ximena used to come off as smug, Charlotte now knows that she is a kind person. This reiterates the theme that it’s important not to judge people without knowing what they are going through or who they are.

“The truth is, Maya was beyond their being able to hurt her.”

At first, Charlotte is embarrassed by how Maya is not in tune with the social world. While Maya does have to learn how to be more considerate, Charlotte also must learn how to care less about what people think. This quotation shows how friendships are a way that people can learn from one another.

“But knowing that little piece of her story somehow made the dance and everything leading up to it that much more special. Funny how all our stories kind of intertwine. Every person’s story weaves in and out of someone else’s story.” 

This quotation shows the impact people have on others’ lives and the roles they play. Just as Auggie is unaware of the way that his life has impacted the three main characters in Auggie & Me, Mrs. Atanabi doesn’t realize how her backstory has inspired her students.

“There wasn’t one square inch of the gigantic paper that wasn’t covered in dots. Perfectly drawn, evenly spaced lines of dots. But not just dots. Beautiful grid patterns connected by swirls. Waves of lines that ended in spirals, or flowers, or sunbursts. It almost looked like tattoo art, the way blue ink can cover someone’s arm so completely, you don’t know where one tattoo starts and another ends. It was the most unbelievably beautiful game of dots I’ve ever seen.” 

This quotation shows how everyone has a gift to offer the world, but they must be able to look for it. Charlotte and Ellie made fun of Maya’s eccentricity and obsession with her dot game. As Charlotte learns to see people for who they are, she sees how talented Maya really is.