Contents
Driving
Overview
On the ride home, August overhears his parents debating Beecher Prep and learns they secretly pursued his admission. Feeling betrayed and afraid of being stared at, he refuses school. Mom urges a meeting with Principal Mr. Tushman, while Dad’s humor softens the mood. The chapter ends with the decision unresolved.
Summary
As the family drives home at night, August wakes to his parents quietly debating his future at Beecher Prep. Hearing Dad call school “a lamb to the slaughter” triggers August’s fear of being stared at. Mom reassures him they won’t force him but reveals the principal wants to meet him.
Pressed for details, Mom and Dad admit they toured the school last year and recently learned August was accepted. August discovers the home “IQ test” was actually part of admissions, and he feels betrayed by the white lie. He insists he doesn’t want to go to school.
Mom argues fifth grade is the best entry point because everyone is new and promises he’ll learn and make friends despite challenges. August remains resistant, saying he’ll wait a year, but Mom asks him to at least meet Principal Mr. Tushman before deciding.
To lighten the mood, Dad jokes about the principal’s name, making August and Mom laugh and easing the tension. As Via wakes groggily, August wryly introduces Mr. Tushman as the principal of his “new school,” underscoring that the choice is still unresolved.
Who Appears
- August (Auggie) PullmanProtagonist; overhears parents’ school plans, feels betrayed and afraid, resists attending Beecher Prep.
- MomAdvocates for Beecher Prep, reveals past admissions steps and white lie, urges meeting the principal.
- Dad (Nate)Protective but conflicted; jokes about Mr. Tushman to ease tension, admits secrecy about admissions.
- ViaAugust’s sister; naps during the drive, wakes at the end and hears about the new school.
- Mr. TushmanBeecher Prep principal; hasn’t appeared, proposed meeting to help August decide about school.