Aisha “Jonesy” Jones is Andrew’s best friend. In Chapter 2, the narrator points out the contrasts between the seventh-graders’ physical appearances to underline that their friendship is stronger because of their differences: “I’m annoyingly tall and she’s tiny. She’s a natural athlete and I’m…not a natural athlete. […] And finally, she’s Black while I’m about as pasty White as they come. But somehow, we just fit. The best of best friends” (25). One key difference between the children is Jonesy’s relaxed personality. This trait helps her to cheer up Andrew when he feels anxious. Jonesy’s calm attitude also manifests in her disinterest in competition. She “really just want[s] to play [basketball for fun” even though her father thinks she has the skills to be a professional athlete (118). Jonesy is a steadfastly loyal character, as shown when she supports Andrew during his conversation with the police despite their argument: “I notice Jonesy’s hand on my shoulder. She may still be mad, but she’s there” (199). Jonesy also demonstrates her deep care and concern by comforting him after his panic attack. Jonesy’s calm, loyal, and caring personality makes her a steadfast friend and an important supporting character.

As the protagonist’s best friend, Jonesy makes important contributions to the theme of friendship and support networks. She and Andrew were “basically matched up at birth” because their mothers are best friends (24), but the children are certain that they would have been close even without this connection, because some “things are just meant to be” (24). Andrew and Jonesy’s certainty that they were destined to be best friends allows their bond to be a source of comfort and consistency for Andrew during his otherwise draining and disastrous picture day. Importantly, Jonesy offers Andrew support as well as opportunities for growth, such as when she encourages him to make more friends and tells him when he’s being “a jerk” (146). Although the novel focuses on Andrew’s growth, Harrell also gives Jonesy some dynamic development. In the final chapter, she feels inspired by the bravery Andrew showed in talking to Gene and decides to tell her father that she doesn’t want to be a professional athlete. The ways in which Jonesy and Andrew help one another speaks to The Importance of Friendship and Support Networks.

Gene Phillips is the seventh-grade class’s bully. He has “cold gray eyes” that make him look like “a shark in a Vineyard Vines sweatshirt and sweatbands” (58). The reference to Gene’s name-brand clothing hints at his wealth and entitlement. The bully often uses his lofty socioeconomic status to belittle Andrew, bragging about his own wardrobe and mocking the other boy’s hand-me-downs. Gene’s strong sense of entitlement also shows in his rage when Andrew refuses to let him cheat off of his test. The vindictive boy refuses to take responsibility for his actions and blames Andrew when he faces consequences from the teachers and principal. Harrell implies that the “untamed anger” Gene takes out on his classmates stems from his difficult home life (58). The author doesn’t provide details, but the police have been to “his house more times than [they] can count” due to his father’s actions (255). By hinting at the family troubles that give rise to Gene’s rage, Harrell ensures that even the novel’s antagonist is nuanced and human and teaches readers that everyone has their own personal struggles others don’t see.

Gene plays an antagonistic role in the story, making him important to the novel’s structure and the theme of The Journey Toward Self-Acceptance and Resilience Amidst Adversity. Many of Andrew’s misfortunes are directly caused by the bully, including his torn shirt and the scientific experiment that stains him purple. Gene’s relentless efforts to punish Andrew for the consequences of his own actions also impact the protagonist in less tangible but harmful ways: “My attention is shot. My nerves too. I know Gene is going to be out for blood after class” (52). The adversity that Gene creates in Andrew’s life adds suspense to the plot and gives the protagonist opportunities to demonstrate resilience. In particular, Andrew shows growth when he stands up to the bully and urges him to change: “‘None of us want to fight with you, Gene. You used to be kind of…fun’ […] ‘When he speaks, it’s so low I can barely hear it. ‘I heard they found your grandma. I’m glad she’s not dead or anything’” (265). This interaction reveals a more sympathetic side of Gene and implies that he might improve his behavior and his relationships with his classmates because Andrew had the courage to believe he can change.

Dr. Cain is Andrew’s therapist. She has significant wisdom and expertise from years of working with patients with OCD and anxiety disorders, and she’s confident that Andrew will make progress in their sessions, because she’s “helped lots of people” (99). In addition to being an accomplished professional, Dr. Cain is a highly caring individual: “If you could pump pure kindness out of your eyes, that’s the way Dr. Cain was looking at me” (97). As befits a mental health professional, she has excellent listening skills and patience, and these strengths encourage Andrew to confide things he’s never shared with anyone before, such as how he felt during his panic attacks. The therapist’s compassion toward her patient helps Andrew show himself more acceptance. For example, when he feels guilty for being annoyed by G, she assures him, “You’re just being human. And sometimes being human can be incredibly hard” (138). Dr. Cain’s patience, compassion, and wisdom serve her well in her profession as a therapist, allowing her to gain Andrew’s trust and help him manage his anxiety.

The flashbacks with Dr. Cain add interest to the novel’s largely linear structure and offer key exposition about the protagonist and his mental health. For example, she helps Andrew progress on his journey toward self-acceptance by guiding him to examine the difficult emotions connected to his anxiety and obsessions: “Do you think you’re more scared of losing control and being angry…or of being angry like your dad?” (163). Dr. Cain’s appearances are limited to flashbacks due to the Yaeger family’s constrained financial circumstances, adding another important and realistic layer to the novel’s exploration of adversity. Additionally, the therapist develops the importance of support networks. She encourages Andrew to “go a little easier” on himself (139), and she teaches him techniques like the visualization exercise that help him manage his anxiety even after they are forced to stop their sessions. Through Dr. Cain, Harrell depicts therapy in a positive light that encourages his readers not to be afraid to seek support.