Who We Are

When Mr. Browne talks to the students about precepts, he says the most important precept is "who we are." This is a prominent theme throughout the book. When people look at Auggie, they often react in repulsion or fear. They don't see right through to his heart at first. Those who take time to get to know him soon learn that they don't really notice his face anymore. Instead, they see a really smart boy who is very funny.

At one point in the story Miranda comments that the universe has been very unkind to Auggie. Justin thinks long and hard about that and realizes that it seemed as if the universe gave a bit of a bonus to those it gave a harsh deal to. In Auggie's case, his disfigurement was balanced by a loving family and very loyal friends.

When the reader looks closely...