Contents
Why I Changed My Mind
Overview
Jack argues with his mom about Mr. Tushman’s request and learns Julian and Charlotte also agreed to help August. Jamie admits he once ran from August, prompting Mom’s scolding. Realizing how vulnerable August is, Jack decides to be August’s buddy, shifting from reluctance to intentional support.
Summary
That night, Jack asks his mom who else Mr. Tushman recruited to welcome August and learns it’s Julian and Charlotte. Jack complains about Julian’s phoniness and Charlotte’s rule-following, while insisting his mom doesn’t grasp how severe August’s facial differences are.
Jamie enters, recalls seeing August in the park, and admits he reacted by running away and later having nightmares. Their mom grows serious, asking if Jamie did that in front of August, and scolds him for lacking sympathy. Jamie minimizes it, but Mom rebukes the behavior and the word “ugly.”
As Mom prepares to lecture Jack, Jack abruptly agrees to help August. He reflects privately that his decision isn’t to avoid a lecture or to shield August from Julian specifically, but because Jamie’s reaction made him realize how even decent kids can be unkind. Concluding that August won’t stand a chance in middle school without allies, Jack chooses to step up as his buddy.
Who Appears
- Jack WillDebates helping August, then decides to be his buddy after Jamie’s confession and Mom’s scolding.
- Jack’s MomReveals Julian and Charlotte also agreed; condemns Jamie’s reaction; prompts Jack’s change of heart.
- Jamie WillAdmits running from August and having nightmares, triggering Mom’s rebuke and Jack’s empathy.
- August PullmanNot present; subject of discussion whose vulnerability motivates Jack’s decision to help.
- JulianNamed as another student recruited to help; anticipated to behave like a jerk.
- CharlotteAlso recruited to help; seen by Jack as a rule follower.
- Mr. TushmanAdministrator who organized student buddies for August; catalyst for the discussion.