Via

Chapter 36: High School

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and Hannah Montana

In the book

Via remembers how she and her friends used to dress Auggie up in feather boas, hats, and Hannah Montana wigs. Ella once said he reminded her of E.T. Via admits it may have been a little bit mean, even if Ella didn’t mean it that way.

The background

In Steven Spielberg’s 1982 film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, a young Drew Barrymore dresses a gentle alien in a blond wig. Hannah Montana was a Disney Channel show starring Miley Cyrus as a girl who secretly becomes a pop star by putting on a blond wig.

Why it matters

These are happy memories for Via, but the E.T. comment shows that even people who love Auggie sometimes see him as different.

Talk about it

Can a comment be hurtful even if the person didn’t mean it to be? How should friends handle those moments?

Chapter 37: Major Tom

Major Tom and “Space Oddity”

In the book

Miranda gave Auggie the astronaut helmet he wore almost every day when he was little. She called him Major Tom, and the two of them sang “Space Oddity” together.

The background

“Space Oddity” is David Bowie’s 1969 song about an astronaut named Major Tom who drifts off into space. It’s also the epigraph for Via’s section.

Why it matters

The helmet let young Auggie hide his face from the world. It was a gift from someone who loved him, but it also kept him apart from others. Keep an eye out for the helmet later in the book.

Talk about it

Was the astronaut helmet a good thing or a bad thing for Auggie? Explain your thinking.

Chapter 37: Major Tom

Bone by Jeff Smith

In the book

Via notes that Miranda always made a point of including Auggie. She asked how he was doing and talked with him about things he liked, such as Avatar, Star Wars, and Bone.

The background

Bone is an award-winning graphic novel series by Jeff Smith. It follows three cartoon cousins who get lost in a valley full of dragons, monsters, and adventure.

Why it matters

Miranda didn’t just put up with Auggie. She learned about his favorite things so they’d have something real to talk about.

Talk about it

Why is learning about someone’s favorite hobby or book a good way to show you care?

Chapter 37: Major Tom

Avatar: The Last Airbender

In the book

Avatar is another of the favorite things Miranda talked about with Auggie.

The background

Avatar: The Last Airbender is an animated series about Aang, a boy who must master the four elements (water, earth, fire, and air) to bring peace to a world at war.

Why it matters

Auggie likes the same shows, books, and movies as other kids his age. References like this remind readers that he’s a typical kid in every way except his face.

Talk about it

What shows, games, or books bring kids together at your school, even kids who don’t usually hang out?