Student Question

What accusation does August make towards Summer in Wonder?

Quick answer:

In Wonder, August accuses Summer of only pretending to be friends with him because Mr. Tushman asked her to. Summer, telling the truth, denies it, but she understands why August might think that way after she hears what happened on Halloween.

Expert Answers

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In Wonder, August has been badly hurt by Jack, the boy he considers his best friend. It is Halloween, and everyone is in costume. Jack is expecting August to be dressed as a Star Wars character, but August changes costume plans at the last minute. He also doesn't sit in his normal desk when he enters the classroom. That's why Jack doesn't recognize August. That's why Jack uncomfortably says what he does, that he is only friends with August because Mr. Tushman has asked him to be and that August keeps following him around. Jack doesn't really mean it; he is being pressured by Julian. But August doesn't know that, and Jack's words hurt.

When August goes back to school after a little break, he sits with his friend Summer at lunch like he usually does. August is now very insecure and wondering if anyone is really his friend. He tells Summer, who is chatting along about their new Egyptian project, “You don't have to do this.” Summer hasn't got a clue what August is talking about. August then tells her that she doesn't have to be his friend and says that he knows Mr. Tushman talked to her. Summer still has no idea what he means.

August tells her that she doesn't have to pretend anymore and mentions that he knows Mr. Tushman talked to some kids “and told them they had to be friends with me.” Summer denies that she is one of these kids, but August insists that Mr. Tushman must have talked to her. Summer swears that she never did. August finally relents, apologizes, and explains what happened on Halloween.

Summer cannot stay angry with August after hearing about that. August asks her to promise not to tell anyone. She asks him to promise not to be mean like that again. The two friends pinky swear.

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