Wonder by R. J Palacio

Title: Wonder

Genre: Fiction (Special Education) 

Author: R. J Palacio

Major awards: #1 NY Times Bestseller + Texas Bluebonnet Award

Age group: 4th-12th 

Summary: 

This book describes the life of August, who also goes by "Auggie." He is a ten year old boy, with an appearance that is different than most. Auggie was born with a condition that required him to undergo several facial surgeries. Aside his face, August describes himself as a kid who does ordinary kid things. However, he is quite an extraordinary person. Auggie's facial condition resulted in him being homeschooled by his mother. He experiences a major life change, when his mother decides that attending school would be good for him. He has a lot of anxiety when he learns that he will begin middle school at Beecher Prep. It is in the beginning of the school year, that Auggie gets a sense of what school will be like. Throughout the school year, Auggie has a hard time adjusting to a new lifestyle. Although there are instances of negativity from other students around him, Auggie experiences life lessons and creates friendships that will have a lasting impact on his life. His world begins to change, and his outlook on it does as well. Along the way, he shows great courage and strength. The novel also shifts, to share the stories of other people in August's life. Each individual has a different point of view, including August's sister and friends. Towards the end of the book, August warms up to his new life, school, and peers. He realizes that he is extraordinary, and nothing less. It is at the end of fifth grade, that Auggie wins the Henry Ward Beecher award, that symbolizes the qualities he demonstrated and the great person he is. Auggie is a remarkable child who learns his worth. This story is a beautiful reflection of his progress and development throughout this time of his life. 

Why would I use this book in the classroom: 

As a future educator, I'd use this book in my classroom to teach students about perspective. Throughout this novel, a reader is given a variety of perspectives. We are introduced to the main character Auggie, who is an unique child, that undergoes a stage in life that most of us go through. He is entering fifth grade. What makes this story so special, is that you are reading about this life stage told by someone who is having a difficult time adjusting to change. None of us have the same experiences in life. I think students who read this book will understand that they must treat one another with kindness. You never know what someone may be going through, at home, in school, or in their thoughts. Sometimes its good to see things the other way around. Perspective is everything :):

Appropriate grade level:

I think an appropriate grade level for this book would be around 4th grade. Reason being, it is the year before the transition to middle school. I think it is a good idea to share August's story to those who will soon be entering a different a stage in their lives. I also believe that the writing style and vocabulary are an easy read for younger readers to relate too. 

Ideas for unit of study to include the book in and how you might use the book in the classroom:

• Language Arts/Art: Like Auggie, each one of us is unique. Auggie describes himself with great detail. Readers are able to familiarize themselves with who he is. For a poetry unit, it would be neat to have students create a poem using at least 3 words to describe themselves. Once their poem is complete I would have them create a self portrait that incorporates these words in a creative way to express who they are.  

• Social Studies: Acting with kindness is a major theme in this novel. Readers are taught that spreading kindness is a great act. For a social studies unit, I would have students brainstorm acts of kindness. I would then encourage students to implement a random act of kindness at home, in their community, or at school! Once they have completed this assignment, they can journal about their experience describing: What it means to be kind, How it made them feel, and What other gestures can we do out of kindness.