Contents
The War
Overview
Charlotte secretly tells Jack that Julian launched a smear campaign at a large holiday party, claiming Jack has emotional problems and was spared expulsion only by Julian’s parents. Julian’s mother is pressuring the school over Auggie’s admission. Julian has orchestrated a boy-led social freeze-out of Jack, while most girls stay neutral.
Summary
After being shunned by many boys, Jack receives a note from Charlotte to meet privately. In a locked classroom, Charlotte shares that at Julian’s huge holiday party, Julian told everyone Jack punched him due to emotional problems and was spared expulsion only because Julian’s parents intervened.
Charlotte adds that Julian blames Mr. Tushman for forcing Jack to be friends with Auggie, claiming Jack “snapped.” She also says Julian’s mom is pressuring the school to review Auggie’s application, arguing Beecher isn’t an inclusion school and citing changes like the art show theme as supposed evidence.
Charlotte explains the social fallout: Julian insists that being friends with Auggie is hurting Jack and has convinced the boys to stop being friends with Jack “for his own good.” Most girls remain neutral, except Savanna’s group aligned with Julian’s circle. Charlotte reassures Jack, shares her mom’s disapproval of Julian’s mom, and departs discreetly to avoid being seen with him.
Who Appears
- Jack WillTarget of a coordinated social shunning; learns of Julian’s smear campaign and its fallout.
- Charlotte CodyNeutral classmate who secretly informs Jack about Julian’s party rumors and the boy-led freeze-out.
- Julian AlbansAntagonist; spreads lies about Jack at his party and orchestrates boys to shun Jack.
- Julian’s MomVice president of the school board; pressures the school to review Auggie’s admission.
- Mr. TushmanPrincipal cited by Julian as forcing Jack to befriend Auggie, allegedly causing Jack to snap.
- August “Auggie” PullmanUnaware of the rumors; his admission is being questioned by Julian’s mother.
- SavannaPopular girl; her group aligns with Julian’s circle and doesn’t stay neutral.