Mr. Browne and Mr. Tushman are two positive adult characters in Wonder.

Before Auggie begins his year at Beecher Prep, he meets the principal, Mr. Tushman. At first August is understandably nervous, but he finds in Mr. Tushman a friendly face, kind demeanor, and most importantly a good sense of humor. It is Mr. Tushman’s priority that August feel welcome and safe at Beecher Prep. Throughout the course of the year, that goal is eventually met, though not always in the way Auggie might have liked. Still, every interaction he has with Mr. Tushman is positive. The principal keeps his distance to some extent but is always there in the background: a quiet, steady presence and source of support.

Mr. Browne is Auggie’s teacher. He is the source of the famous “precepts”—a new one each month—that inspire the students and guide the story arc of Wonder. The September precept is the one that resonates the most: “When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind.” (Dr. Wayne W. Dyer).

While also a somewhat secondary character in the novel, Mr. Browne remains consistently positive and supportive in his classroom. He works hard to create an environment where everyone, including Auggie, feels involved and valued. In this, he is similar to Mr. Tushman. Both adults take a somewhat hands-off approach yet work in the background to make Auggie’s first year at Beecher Prep a successful, positive experience.