Topher

Christopher “Topher” Renn is one of the three protagonists and narrators of Ms. Bixby’s Last Day. Topher is a sixth-grader at Fox Ridge Elementary School, and is best friends with Steve and Brand. He is the son of Saul and Linda, and is very creative. An artist, he carries around a sketchbook with him all the time. Because his parents work all the time, he feels as if he lives unnoticed. He is happy to learn that Ms. Bixby notices him, and he is comforted by her and the understanding that somebody always notices.

Because Ms. Bixby has noticed him and his love of art, she becomes his favorite teacher. He is devastated when he learns of Ms. Bixby’s diagnosis. Topher, Brand, and Steve set off together to visit Ms. Bixby. Through the course of the day, Topher comes to accept that not all dragons in...