Wonder By R.J. Palacio

 

About Book

Title: Wonder
Author & Illustrator: R.J. Palacio
Genre: Realistic Fiction 
Major Book Awards: Texas Blue Bonnet Award
Recommended Age Range: 8+
Appropriate Grade Levels: 4th to 12th grade 

Summary

This book tells the story of a boy named August [Auggie] Pullman, a ten-year-old who has a rare facial deformity called Treacher Collins Syndrome. This required him to have multiple surgeries done on his face ever since he was born up until now. He's been homeschooled by his mom ever since due to this, but his parents have decided to finally have him attend school with other children in the upcoming school year at Beecher Prep. August initially did not agree at first, but he ends up going anyways. The story starts off with August's perspective, as he talks about how it feels to live with his face. He also shares how many people have glanced at him when he isn't looking and looks away when he looks back. Because August has dealt with this his whole life, this has become a norm for him. And without surprise, it occurred many times at the beginning of the school year. Almost every day he would be stared and whispered about. The first few months was pretty rough for him, the constant bullying by a group of kids and ongoing problems in his family. As the school year continues, August had overcome these obstacles and gained supportive friends along the way. The bullying eventually stopped and people started to accept him for who he is. At the end of the story, August was awarded the Henry Ward Beecher Medal, for being a student who is courageous and inspiring for others. August has now become stronger and isn't afraid to face the world anymore.

Evaluation - Would I Incorporate this book in the classroom?

This was such a touching story and I've felt a lot of different emotions while reading it. There were parts of the story where I felt sad and there were some parts where I've felt relieved. I'm glad that I've read this book, because it allowed me to have a glimpse of what certain students may feel and go through. I was also able to become informed about this type of syndrome and have been reminded that just because a person looks different from others, does not mean that they have a disability. And because I was able to learn something from this book, I believe my students can too. This book can be read at whatever age, but the age range that I feel is more appropriate is grades 4 to 12. And again, older students can read this as well, as it is not limited up to only 12th grade. If I was able to learn something at my age, anyone can. This book will definitely be available in my classroom library for students who are interested. But as a class, we can do our own little book club and read parts of this book together during National Bullying Prevention Month, to raise awareness on bullying. And after a few chapters read that day, we as a class will do in class discussions. A fun closure to this book is students will come up to each student and write positive words to each other. Another fun activity inspired by the book, is having students respond to given precepts and I will display them on our Wall of Precepts.