How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Did anyone happen to notice the plaque next to the door of this school? Anyone read what is says? Anyone?"
He looked around but no one knew the answer.
"It says: "Know Thyself," he said, smiling and nodding. "And learning who you are is what you're here to do." (1.Choose Kind.23-25)
"Know Thyself"—a compelling challenge for anyone with a pulse—is quite possibly the number one place to start in the Identity department. Which characters in Wonder know themselves best? Who has the most learning to do?
Quote #2
"Why do I have to be so ugly, Mommy?" I whispered.
"No, baby, you're not…"
"I know I am." She kissed me all over my face. She kissed my eyes that came down too far. She kissed my cheeks that looked punched in. She kissed my tortoise mouth.
She said soft words that I know were meant to help me, but words can't change my face.
(1.Padawan.47-51)
Although he's generally positive, upbeat, and funny, Auggie is occasionally overwhelmed with sadness about the way he looks. It's brutal, but the truth is that Auggie's appearance is an inseparable part of his identity. However, knowing so much sadness gives Auggie a great deal of compassion and kindness for others.
Quote #3
I'm not saying they were doing any of these things in a mean way, by the way: not once did any kid laugh of make noises or do anything like that. They were just being normal dumb kids. I know that. I kind of wanted to tell them that. Like, it's okay, I know I'm weird-looking, take a look, I don't bite. Hey, the truth is, if a Wookiee started going to the school all of a sudden, I'd be curious, I'd probably stare a bit! (1.Wake Me Up When September Ends.4)
Re-framing his other-ness in this Wookiee metaphor helps Auggie understand and deal with kids' general behavior toward him—but mostly, he wishes they would just get a grip, already.