Austin O'Conner

Austin O'Conner is a new boy in Odyssey who joins Rodney Rathbone in mocking Colby Cabrera's Popsicle-stick creations. He laughs along to protect himself, because he is hiding an interest that Rodney would ridicule: Austin loves to bake. Colby gives him a Popsicle-stick car for Christmas, but Austin initially chooses teasing over friendship. When Rodney discovers the baking and calls him "Cookie," Austin faces the same cruelty he helped direct at Colby. Colby's refusal to laugh gives Austin the courage to stop hiding. He races the handmade car, and it wins a prize for being original. Austin's experience teaches him that fitting in through unkindness costs more than honestly sharing the talents and interests that make him different.