Contents
The Plague
Overview
Summer explains she sits with August because he is fun, not out of pity, and enjoys playing Four Square with him. She learns about the students’ cruel “Plague” game that treats touching August as contagious. Summer challenges the idea, but classmates like Maya still avoid contact, revealing persistent social ostracism.
Summary
Summer reflects that while August’s face takes getting used to and he is a messy eater, he is kind and fun. She clarifies that pity led her to sit with him at first, but friendship keeps her there now.
Summer contrasts August with peers who act too grown-up, preferring gossip over games. She and August enjoy playing Four Square at recess, which strengthens their bond and sets them apart socially.
While playing, Summer hears about a so-called “Plague” that supposedly spreads if someone touches August, unless they wash or sanitize within thirty seconds. No one has directly touched August yet, highlighting how thoroughly others avoid him.
Maya Markowitz explains she avoids playing Four Square to not “catch” the Plague. Summer calls the game dumb, and Maya even agrees, yet Maya still refuses to touch a ball August has handled. The exchange exposes how peer pressure sustains the cruelty despite individual misgivings.
Who Appears
- SummerNarrator; chooses August’s company for genuine friendship, plays Four Square, condemns the cruel “Plague” game.
- August (Auggie) PullmanSummer’s friend; enjoys Four Square; target of the dehumanizing “Plague” avoidance game.
- Maya MarkowitzClassmate who explains the “Plague” and, despite agreeing it’s dumb, still avoids contact.