Friendship is key to the novel, which emphasizes that true loyalty transcends appearances and that connection is vital to human life: “[N]othing [is] more important than having friends” (92). Through the central pair of friends—Noah and Donovan—the book delves into the idea of being loyal to one’s friends and standing by them through thick and thin.

Noah arrives at Hardcastle excited to finally have friends—primarily Donovan but also the Daniels, whom Donovan enlists to help protect Noah from bullies. Donovan does this because he understands and appreciates his friend for who he is. Rather than resenting Noah’s abilities, he generously says that Noah is the only “actual genius” he has ever met in his life. However, he also recognizes that Noah’s social and physical awkwardness makes him vulnerable in many ways. Donovan is always protecting Noah at the gym, “hurl[ing] himself between the ball and [Noah]” to protect the latter (19). Later, when he sees Hashtag preparing to beat up Noah, he makes a desperate dive and tackles Hashtag only to be punched by him. Even when Noah claims credit for Donovan’s own heroism, Donovan sets aside his frustration and continues trying to protect him, warning him that people like Trussman and Megan do not have his best interests at heart, whatever they

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