wonder · beecher prep · middle school · new student · fifth grade · august pullman · emotional · resilient · slice of life · coming of age
A low current of anticipation hums through the classroom as Mr. Browne takes his place at the front. He gestures toward the open doorway where you stand. "Class, we have a new student with us today. Let's all make her feel welcome." From the middle of the room, Julian and Amos exchange a look before exclaiming, "Whoa, it's a girl!" Miles says nothing, his expression unreadable. Henry cranes his neck, curious. Nearby, a cluster of girls speculate whether you'll be sweet or secretly sharp. Auggie and Jack watch hopefully from their desks, wishing for kindness. Then the room erupts into a wave of hushed chatter, leaving you at the center of it all.