Contents
Locks
Overview
August enters his first class at Beecher Prep and confronts classmates’ reactions. Jack Will sits beside him, while others avoid him, including Henry Joplin, who is reassigned to the neighboring seat and puts up a barrier. Ms. Petosa proves kind and organized, setting the tone with lockers and introductions.
Summary
August arrives at room 301 confident in the route from his earlier tour, but he notices classmates staring. He chooses a back-center seat to minimize attention, watching feet beneath desks and seeing that no one initially sits beside him. Charlotte greets him; Julian notices him but says nothing.
Jack Will breaks the isolation by choosing the seat next to August. Ms. Petosa begins class, distributes folders with schedules and combination locks, and sets expectations about lockers and no switching. August feels her brief hesitation on seeing him but recognizes her genuine, non-showy kindness.
As attendance proceeds, the only empty seat remains beside August. Ms. Petosa moves Henry Joplin into that seat. Henry approaches reluctantly and erects a backpack “wall” between them. Classmates exchange looks that signal pity toward Henry.
When students practice opening locks, August refrains at first because of instructions but easily opens his on the first try. Henry struggles and grows frustrated, especially after seeing August succeed. August notes he would have helped Henry if the backpack barrier hadn’t been there, while Ms. Petosa continues guiding the class toward introductions.
Who Appears
- August (Auggie) PullmanProtagonist; navigates first class, endures stares, sits in back, opens lock easily.
- Ms. PetosaHomeroom teacher; organized and kind, distributes schedules and locks, assigns seats.
- Jack WillClassmate who chooses to sit beside August, signaling support.
- Henry JoplinMoved to seat next to August; avoids him with a backpack barrier and struggles with lock.
- Julian AlbansClassmate who sees August but pointedly does not greet him.
- CharlotteClassmate who greets August warmly from the front row.
- Miles NouryClassmate seated near Henry; reacts with a pitying look when Henry moves.
- Maya MarkowitzClassmate present during roll call; minimal interaction.
- Ximena ChinClassmate who receives her folder during attendance; no direct interaction.