Chapter 105: Be Kind to Nature
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
In the book
During the nature retreat, a moment under the night sky reminds Auggie of the scene in Close Encounters when the alien ship lands to music.
The background
In Steven Spielberg’s 1977 film Close Encounters of the Third Kind, scientists greet an enormous alien mothership by playing a famous five-note musical phrase, and the ship answers back.
Why it matters
Auggie often understands new experiences through the movies he loves. The comparison captures the wonder, and a little nervousness, of being out in the woods at night.
Talk about it
Why do you think Auggie so often describes his feelings using movie scenes?
Chapter 107: Alien
Gollum and Alien
In the book
In the woods, older kids from another school see Auggie and mock him, calling him Gollum and Alien. Amos, Miles, and Henry, boys who weren’t Auggie’s friends before, step in to protect him.
The background
Gollum is a pale, bug-eyed creature in The Lord of the Rings. Alien is a 1979 horror movie about a terrifying creature from outer space.
Why it matters
This is a turning point. Classmates who once stood on the sidelines become Auggie’s defenders.
Talk about it
What made Amos, Miles, and Henry change how they treated Auggie?
Teacher note: The original page noted that Alien is too scary to show. It’s rated R, so no clip is included for it.
Chapter 115: Ducks
The Ugly Duckling
In the book
Mr. Tushman asks Auggie why he drew himself as a duck. He guesses it’s because of the story about the duckling who turns into a swan. Auggie’s answer isn’t what Mr. Tushman expected.
The background
In Hans Christian Andersen’s 1843 fairy tale, a young bird is teased for looking different, then grows up to discover he was a swan all along. Disney made an animated version in 1939.
Why it matters
Adults sometimes read deep meaning into things kids do, and sometimes they’re wrong. Still, readers may notice that Auggie’s year does look a bit like the fairy tale.
Talk about it
Do you think Auggie’s story is like The Ugly Duckling? Why or why not?
Chapter 117: The Drop-Off
“The Luckiest Guy on the Lower East Side”
In the book
On the morning of graduation, Auggie’s dad is in a great mood, smiling and singing along to a song about being the luckiest guy around.
The background
“The Luckiest Guy on the Lower East Side” is by the indie band the Magnetic Fields, from their 1999 album 69 Love Songs. It’s about the simple happiness of riding around town with someone you love.
Why it matters
Dad uses music to show how proud and happy he is. The song sets a joyful mood for Auggie’s big day.
Talk about it
How do Auggie’s parents use humor and music to help him through big moments?
Chapter 118: Take Your Seats, Everyone
The graduation music
In the book
The graduation program lists the performances, including “Light and Day” by the middle-school choir and Pachelbel’s “Canon in D” by the chamber music ensemble.
The background
“Light and Day” is a joyful song by the Polyphonic Spree, a large choir-like band. Johann Pachelbel wrote “Canon in D” in the late 1600s, and it’s one of the most popular pieces played at graduations and weddings. “Under Pressure” is a 1981 song by Queen and David Bowie, the same singer who recorded “Space Oddity.”
Why it matters
The music blends something old, something new, and something hopeful, just like a graduation ceremony.
Talk about it
If you could choose one song for your own graduation, what would it be and why?
Mr. Tushman’s graduation speech
J. M. Barrie’s rule of kindness
In the book
In his speech, Mr. Tushman shares a line from J. M. Barrie, the author of Peter Pan.
Shall we make a new rule of life from tonight: always to try to be a little kinder than is necessary?
The background
The line comes from Barrie’s 1902 novel The Little White Bird. It became the heart of Mr. Tushman’s message to the graduates.
Why it matters
“Kinder than is necessary” sums up the whole book. Think about all the characters who did more than they had to for someone else.
Talk about it
What would it look like to be a little kinder than necessary at your school tomorrow?
Chapter 121: Floating
The throne room scene in Star Wars: A New Hope
In the book
As the whole audience stands and cheers for Auggie, he feels like he’s in the final scene of Star Wars Episode IV, with the theme music playing in his head.
The background
At the end of A New Hope (1977), Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Chewbacca walk down a grand hall to receive medals for destroying the Death Star, while John Williams’s triumphant music plays.
Why it matters
The book comes full circle. The boy who hid under an astronaut helmet now stands in front of everyone, celebrated for who he is.
Talk about it
Why is the Star Wars medal ceremony the perfect image for Auggie’s last day of fifth grade?