<P> On his first day of school, August tries not to raise awareness of himself . Despite his efforts, the other kids still look at him, and a student, whom Mr. Tushman selected to be friends with August, named Julian immediately antagonizes him for his appearance, comparing him to Darth Sidious and asking him whether he was in a fire . However, August's hopes for the school year are raised slightly when he kindles a friendship with classmates Jack and Summer, both of whom defend him from Julian's taunts . </P> <P> The situation comes to a head on Halloween when August, disguised in a costume, overhears Jack joining in with the bullying . August feels betrayed and fakes illness in order to return home . As August isolates himself from his classmates and parents, Via's frustration grows, added on by years of feeling ignored by her family . </P> <P> Returning to school, August tries to ignore Jack and talks about the incident with Summer . She gives Jack a clue and he realizes that August overheard his comments . He punches Julian in the face for calling August a' freak' and is quickly suspended from school for a short while . Over the Christmas break, Jack attempts to make it up to August . </P> <P> As the school year progresses, the bullying August faces become more serious . Julian manipulates his friends into turning against August and Jack and begins leaving mean notes in their lockers . In addition, Julian's mother voices her concerns over August's attendance at the school, commenting that his appearance may be too much of a burden for the students to handle . </P>

How many chapters are in the book wonder