Wonder

 




Title: Wonder

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Author: R.J. Palacio

Major Awards: Texas Bluebonnet 

Grade Level: 4-7

Age: 8-12



Summary:  August "Auggie" Pullman, a 10-year-old kid who suffers from a genetic condition called mandibulofacial dystosis that has left his face misshapen. People stare and judge him by his looks, but Auggie tries not to let it bother him. He feels like a normal kid on the inside and wishes others would get to know him for who he is. Auggie’s life of relative isolation is upended when he transitions from homeschooling to attending Beecher Prep Middle School. He faces bullying and discrimination, because of his appearance, as well as the routine trials of growing up. At the beginning of the story, Auggie believes he’s just like any other kid. He makes a new friend, Jack Will; he and Jack Will sit next to each other in practically every class, providing some relief from his status as an outcast. Auggie also befriends Summer Dawson, a kind girl who sits with him at lunch when no one else will. Summer and Auggie connect over their shared sense of playfulness and wonder; unlike many of their peers, the two still play games and want to dress up for Halloween. Though Auggie has made friends, he also makes a powerful enemy in Julian. And, as the school year progresses, Julian not only bullies Auggie relentlessly but also creates an environment where others can act unkindly to Auggie. Auggie receives an award during graduation for exhibiting quiet strength and inspiring kindness throughout the schoolyear. Now, everyone knows him for who he is as a person and not for what he looks like.



Evaluation: This book is great to read to kids if you want to talk about treating students with different facial features and/or disabilities with kindness. It's important to teach kindness to younger children because a lot of them will ask questions and wonder when and if they come across someone who they may feel is different to them. As an activity, I will create a "CHOOSE KIND" sign, and inside the cut-out letters, students will write a synonym for the word "kind". After they are done, I will decorate the sign and hang it on the wall.

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