Contents
Part One: August — Choose Kind
Overview
August starts English with Mr. Browne, who introduces the class to monthly precepts about important life choices. The September precept—choosing kindness over being right—sets a moral tone that counters earlier rudeness. Jack’s humor eases tension, and August ends the class hopeful about school.
Summary
After the bell, August heads to English, choosing a seat in the back to avoid attention. Classmates arrive in groups; no one sits beside August except Jack Will, who is busy joking with friends, signaling Jack’s easy popularity.
The tall, bearded teacher, Mr. Browne, outlines the semester and introduces the concept of precepts—rules about really important things. Students call out examples of important things, but Mr. Browne emphasizes “Who we are” as most important, connecting it to the school’s motto, “Know Thyself.”
Mr. Browne unveils his September precept: “When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind.” He instructs students to keep a notebook section for monthly precepts and explains they will discuss each one and write an essay at month’s end. He also describes a summer assignment to mail personal precepts on postcards.
Jack cracks a joke about being there to learn English, which Mr. Browne good-naturedly affirms, drawing laughter and easing the class atmosphere. As August writes down the precept, the inclusive tone and emphasis on kindness make him realize he is going to like school, despite earlier anxieties.
Who Appears
- August PullmanNarrator; starts English class anxious, observes peers, and feels reassured by Mr. Browne’s kindness-focused precept.
- Mr. BrowneEnglish teacher; introduces monthly precepts and September’s “Choose Kind,” setting a moral framework for the class.
- Jack WillClassmate who sits near August and jokes with others, lightening the mood and earning laughs.
- JulianClassmate present in English; does not speak here but remains a tense presence after earlier rudeness.
- CharlotteClassmate in English, noted by August among familiar faces.
- HenryClassmate present in English, part of the group dynamics August observes.
- ReidClassmate who calls out “Sharks” during the precepts discussion.