How does August grow up in the story

Because of August's facial deformity, he was home-schooled until the fifth grade. Once he starts school he makes friends over time, but he is also subjected to rumors and lies that keep him isolated from the other students. Children say August can give them the plague, they talk about him behind his back on Halloween.... none-the-less, he does make friends and life continues to be filled with problems to overcome, both at home and at school.