Epigraph and Chapter 48: Weird Kids
“Beautiful” by Christina Aguilera
In the book
Kids keep asking Summer why she hangs out with Auggie. She tells them he’s nice, and she’s surprised anyone thinks it’s a big deal.
The background
Christina Aguilera’s 2002 song “Beautiful,” written by Linda Perry, is the epigraph for this part. It’s about self-acceptance and not letting other people’s words define you.
Why it matters
Summer doesn’t let comments from other kids change how she treats Auggie. The song’s message fits her perfectly.
Talk about it
Summer says it’s weird how weird kids can be. What do you think she means?
Chapter 49: The Plague
Four Square and the Plague
In the book
Summer and Auggie play Four Square at recess, even though some kids think they’re too old for playground games. That’s how Summer learns about the Plague: if anyone touches Auggie, they have thirty seconds to wash their hands.
The background
Four Square is a playground game played on a square divided into four smaller squares. Players bounce a ball into each other’s squares and try to move up to the top spot.
Why it matters
The Plague is the same cruel idea as the Cheese Touch that Auggie describes in Part 1. Summer’s choice to keep playing ordinary games with Auggie is her quiet way of refusing to take part.
Revisit the Cheese Touch in Part 1
Talk about it
How can recess games bring kids together or leave kids out? What could you do to make sure no one gets left out?
Chapter 51: November
The Egyptian Museum project
In the book
After Halloween, Auggie comes back to school upset. Summer tries to talk with him about their Egyptian Museum projects, and eventually the two of them clear the air and agree to work on their projects together.
The background
Ancient Egyptians built elaborate tombs filled with artifacts for the afterlife and worshiped many gods, often shown with animal heads.
Why it matters
Summer shows she wants to spend time with Auggie because she likes him, not because anyone told her to.
Talk about it
Which Egyptian god does Summer have to research? Find the name in Chapter 51, then look up one fact about that god.