How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #10
"'He is the greatest," he finally continued, "whose strength carries up the most hearts by the attraction of his own. Without further ado, this year I am very proud to award the Henry Ward Beecher medal to the student whose quiet strength has carried up the most hearts. So will August Pullman please come up here to receive this award?" (8.Awards.16)
Auggie has carried up hearts, and won over the minds of those who were—for a long time—unwilling to accept him. Through his courage and kindness, he has lifted, buoyed, inspired, encouraged, elevated, and inspired others all year long. Pretty strong stuff for a little guy.
Quote #11
It's like people you see sometimes, and you can't imagine what it would be like to be that person, whether it's somebody in a wheelchair or somebody who can't talk. Only, I know I'm that person to other people, maybe to every single person in that whole auditorium.
To me, though, I'm just me. An ordinary kid.
But hey, if they want to give me a medal for being me, that's okay, I'll take it. I didn't destroy a Death Star or anything like that, but I did just get through the fifth grade. And that's not easy, even if you're not me. (8.Floating.8-10)
Auggie acknowledges how difficult his first year at school has been as the person who is other than normal. But mostly though, what he takes away from the experience is that the experience is hard for everyone. He still believes firmly that he's "an ordinary kid."