Contents
Apples
Overview
August plans a big bowling party for his 10/10 birthday and invites his entire homeroom plus Summer, including Julian. Few classmates RSVP, and Julian’s family doesn’t respond at all, hinting at unkindness. Despite the smaller turnout, friends and family make the celebration warm and lively, reinforcing August’s growing support network.
Summary
August explains that his birthday is October 10, which he likes because it’s 10/10. Wanting to do something bigger than usual, August asks Mom for a bowling party and chooses to invite everyone in his homeroom plus Summer so no one feels excluded, even including Julian.
As the date approaches, August checks RSVPs. Mom reports Jack Will, Summer, Reid Kingsley, both Maxes, and a few possible maybes like Charlotte and Tristan. August worries about the low number and presses for reasons. Mom says families already had plans and notes that Julian’s mom didn’t respond at all, adding, “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” which August doesn’t fully understand.
Despite fewer RSVPs than hoped, the party day arrives. Jack, Summer, Reid, Tristan, and both Maxes attend, and Christopher travels from Bridgeport with his parents. Extended family also show up: Uncle Ben, and Aunt Kate and Uncle Po drive in, though Tata and Poppa are away in Florida.
The adults bowl in the lane next to the kids, making the event feel larger and festive. What began as a potentially disappointing turnout becomes a joyful celebration, affirming the reliable circle of friends and family around August.
Who Appears
- August (Auggie) PullmanPlans an inclusive bowling birthday; worries about few RSVPs; enjoys a smaller but happy celebration.
- MomSupports the party, tracks RSVPs, notes Julian’s mom didn’t respond, and hints at unkindness with an apple metaphor.
- Jack WillRSVPs and attends the bowling party as a key supportive friend.
- SummerInvited specially and attends, reinforcing her steady friendship.
- JulianInvited despite past rudeness; his family does not RSVP, implying continued distance.
- ChristopherLongtime friend who travels from Bridgeport with his parents to celebrate.
- Reid KingsleyClassmate who RSVPs and attends the party.
- TristanClassmate who attends after a soccer game.
- Both MaxesTwo classmates named Max who attend the bowling party.
- CharlotteClassmate who might attend after a recital; mentioned as a maybe.
- Uncle BenRelative who comes to the party and bowls with the adults.
- Aunt KateRelative who drives in for the celebration.
- Uncle PoRelative who drives in with Aunt Kate to celebrate.