Contents
Why I Didn’t Go to School
Overview
On the eve of fifth grade, August explains he was homeschooled not because of his appearance, but because of extensive surgeries and illness. Now stronger, he faces school with fear and a wish to be ordinary. He recalls shifting friendships—especially Christopher’s move and Zachary and Alex drifting—as his mom sets aside her career to care for him.
Summary
August, about to begin fifth grade, admits he is terrified because he has never attended a regular school. He clarifies that people assume he avoided school due to how he looks, but the real reason was medical: twenty-seven surgeries since birth and frequent illness kept him home.
With his health improved—his last surgery eight months ago and none expected for a while—August explains why his parents chose homeschooling. His mom, formerly a children’s-book illustrator, taught him and largely set aside her art to care for August and his sister Via.
August reveals he only wanted school if he could be like everyone else, with friends and after-school hangouts. He recounts his closest friendships: Christopher, his best friend since infancy, moved to Bridgeport, while Zachary and Alex, once close, drifted after starting school and making new friends.
August notes other, looser connections—some kids never invited him to parties—underscoring his social isolation. Despite changes, he still sees Christopher and sometimes bumps into Zachary and Alex, who remain polite. These reflections frame his mixed hope and anxiety about entering school now.
Who Appears
- August (Auggie) PullmanNarrator; starting fifth grade after years of surgeries and homeschooling; longs to be like other kids.
- MomHomeschools August; former children’s-book illustrator who prioritized caring for August and Via.
- ChristopherAugust’s best friend since infancy; moved to Bridgeport but remains closest.
- ZacharyFormer close friend who drifted after starting school and making new friends.
- AlexFormer close friend; now more distant since beginning school.
- ViaAugust’s sister; mentioned as someone Mom also cares for.
- JoelAcquaintance who never invited August to birthday parties.
- EamonnAcquaintance who did not include August in birthday parties.
- GabePeer who never invited August to parties, highlighting social distance.
- EmmaAcquaintance who invited August to a birthday party once.