Contents
August’s House
Overview
Jack visits August’s house to finally pick a science-fair project. After resisting distractions, they agree on building a potato-powered battery, with August promising to help Jack in science. Via briefly meets Jack and, aware of the Halloween incident, clearly disapproves, reinforcing lingering fallout even as Jack and August move forward together.
Summary
By mid-January, Jack admits he has procrastinated choosing a science-fair project. August insists they start, so Jack goes to August’s house, anxious that August’s parents might know about the Halloween Incident. August’s mom is friendly, easing Jack’s worry, and August leads him to a Star Wars–filled room where Jack meets their affectionate dog, Daisy.
Jack tries to steer the visit toward playing Xbox, but August focuses on Ms. Rubin’s project list. Jack pushes for an easy volcano, while August proposes alternatives like a sun clock or crystal spikes. August lands on building an organic potato battery that can power a lamp. Jack protests it sounds hard and says he struggles in science, but August promises to help, and Jack agrees.
Via enters to introduce herself and mention a friend is coming by. From Via’s look and August having told her about Halloween, Jack senses she dislikes him. After she leaves, Jack asks if she hates him and whether August told her about Halloween; August answers yes to both, confirming the tension even as the boys commit to their joint project.
Who Appears
- Jack WillNarrator; visits August’s house, reluctantly agrees to a potato-battery project, worries about Via’s judgment.
- August "Auggie" PullmanHosts Jack; pushes to choose a science project and proposes the potato-powered battery.
- Via (Olivia Pullman)August’s sister; meets Jack and, knowing the Halloween incident, clearly disapproves.
- DaisyFamily dog; friendly and affectionate, helps ease tension during Jack’s visit.
- August’s momBriefly present; friendly toward Jack, suggesting she wasn’t told about the Halloween incident.