The novel Wonder by author
R. J. Palacio is, simply put, wonderful. It’s emotional, funny, and very, very
inspiring. In fact, the book has inspired the Choose Kind movement, engaging
kids and adults in thinking about the power of being kind in the world. What
makes this book so affecting? It is beautifully written; the dialogue rings
true and the characters are memorable. On the first page, the fifth-grade
protagonist introduces himself: “My name is August, by the way. I won’t
describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse.”
Readers learn that Auggie was born with a severe facial deformity, and though
he considers himself an ordinary kid in most ways, he has to deal every day
with the fact of his extraordinary face. Homeschooled until now, Auggie faces
the daunting prospect of entering public school in fifth grade. When we join
Auggie on his journey, we experience how hard it is for his classmates to move
beyond his face. As Auggie’s story unfolds, successive chapters in the voices
of his sister and a few classmates bring different points of view, allowing
readers themselves to grow in understanding. One chapter highlights a passage
from Saint-Exupéry’s The
Little Prince: “It is only with one’s heart that
one can see clearly. What is essential is invisible to the eye.” Ultimately, this is a story of community, compassion, empathy and
friendship, orbiting around Auggie’s extraordinary courage. Ages 9 up.
Related resources may be found at: TeachingBooks.net
Related resources may be found at: TeachingBooks.net
