Part Eight: August

"'You really are a wonder, Auggie. You are a wonder.'" (page 310)

There's so much to say about this particular part, but part eight brings about the climax of the novel as well as the comforting and tear-jerking conclusion. August is excited to be going on a field trip with his friends from school and relieved that Julian will not be attending (maybe for some obvious reasons.)  Long story short, Auggie gets in some trouble with some seventh graders in the woods and ends up losing his hearing aids and also getting beat up. However, with the help of some friends (friends of Julian, might I add) August is okay and they make it back to the movie.

When August returns home, he is welcomed by a new puppy that his family names Bear.

In my opinion, this symbolizes a new beginning...

Even though starting a new school could count as a new beginning, I believe that last part of this novel truly is August's new beginning: with friends that truly care for him and knowing that he has a strong support system behind him. 

At August's graduation ceremony, many kids were awarded for outstanding academics and achievements, but only August was awarded a medal for his courage, kindness, friendship, and character. As August accepted this award he said he felt like he was floating and he saw everyone in the audience standing on their feet, cheering and clapping for August. He finally received his standing ovation. August felt like he was in the last scene of Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope, getting a standing ovation for defeating the Death Star. This truly was August's "New Hope." With his friends, family, and people in his school community, there is a new hope for August to fully enjoy his life without even caring about his face. 

This novel helps its readers get into the minds of people that "you can't imagine what it would be like to be that person, whether it's someone in a wheelchair or somebody who can't talk" (to quote August). August gained new friendships just by being him. In my opinion, that is the central theme in this novel:

to be yourself.

I know there are many books and movies out there who preach to its audience about "being yourself," but this book truly helps its readers understand and grasp that if August can stay true to himself, even with his conditions, then it is imperative to never lose sight of who you are as a person. 

"To me, though, I'm just me. An ordinary kid."

"But hey, if they want to give me a medal for just being me, that's okay. I'll take it. I didn't destroy a Death Star or anything like that, but I did just get through the fifth grade. And that's not easy, even if you're me." (page 306)