Contents
The Call
Overview
Jack Will recounts how Mr. Tushman asked, via Jack’s parents, that Jack serve as a welcome buddy to a homeschooled boy with facial differences. Jack resists the request, using hurtful language, and realizes the boy is August. This moment frames Jack’s conflicted start to their friendship and foreshadows tension.
Summary
In August, Jack Will hears his mother return a call from Mr. Tushman, the middle-school director. The conversation reveals that Mr. Tushman is seeking especially kind incoming fifth graders to help a new student who has never attended regular school.
After the call, Jack’s mother explains that teachers recommended Jack as a “welcome buddy” to guide the new boy. She frames it as flattering but “kind of sad,” noting the boy has something wrong with his face and that Mr. Tushman wants a pre–school-year meeting.
Jack immediately resists, arguing that if it isn’t mandatory, he doesn’t want to do it. His mother urges him to think it over, emphasizing the small ask and the kindness involved.
Frustrated, Jack bluntly calls the boy “deformed,” which his mother rebukes as terrible. Despite not being told the name, Jack admits he already knows who it is: August. This recognition confirms Jack’s reluctance and sets the groundwork for the complicated origins of his role as August’s friend.
Who Appears
- Jack WillNarrator; asked to be a welcome buddy; initially resists and identifies the new student as August.
- Jack’s Mom (Amanda Will)Speaks with Mr. Tushman and relays the welcome buddy request, urging Jack to consider it kindly.
- Mr. TushmanMiddle-school director who seeks kind students to welcome a homeschooled boy and invites Jack to help.
- Jack’s DadBriefly reacts to the call, noting the implausibility of calling every new student.
- August (Auggie) PullmanThe homeschooled boy with facial differences; Jack realizes he is the intended welcome buddy.