Part 3: Summer

"You are beautiful no matter what they say

Words can't bring you down

You are beautiful in every single way

Yes, words can't bring you down"

These are lyrics from the well-known song "Beautiful" by the famous Christina Aguilera, and they appear on the opening page of Part 3. I think they represent this book beautifully.  Auggie's family and friends truly think he is a beautiful boy no matter what other kids may say, and Auggie tries very hard to not let stupid comments or long stares from people get to him. Here is the music video!

 

This is the point in the novel where we learn that not all kids are mean. Some have a tender heart, beautiful mind, and loving spirit--just like Summer. When Summer narrates, she's very honest. She tells us that the reason she sat with August at lunch on the first day of school was because she felt sorry for him. But she then goes on to explain that it became much more than that and she got to know August and just another kid and they become very good friends, going to each other's houses and working on school projects together. It's not the exact same situation, but it reminded me of when a new student came to my school in the second grade. The teacher sat her in the back by me and I had no friends and was incredibly shy, but that all changed when that girl sat by me. The next day on the playground we were best friends, playing tag and having fun. We had our very first sleepover of many that weekend. We're not as close now, but I'll never forget the way she befriended me and, over the years, help me to overcome my shyness and break out of my shell a little bit and taught me that it's okay to be myself. She was the Summer in my life.