Wonder

Wonder

By: R.J. Palacio

Genre: Fiction (Novel)

Major Awards: Bluebonnet Award, E. B. White Read Aloud Award, IRA-CBC Teachers' Choice

Grade Level: 3-8

Summary: Auggie (August) Pullman wanted others to see him as 'normal,' but he knew that would never be the case because of his rare genetic disorder that resulted in his face having deformaties. After countless surgeries, he was better, but he would never look like everyone else. After having been homeschooled his whole life, his parents decided to try placing Auggie in a real school, Beecher Prep, for fifth grade, but only if he felt ready...and with a little bit of encouragement, he did. Auggie faced many difficulties, including bullying, especially during the beginning of school. He was able to overcome many of those challenges with his strong will, his new friends, and his family. Although his school year had its bumps in the road, Auggie found out who really had his back when he went to his first sleepaway camp. Older students from another school cornered Auggie in the woods. Auggie and Jack, his best friend, stood up to them and a fight broke out. The bullies ripped Auggie's jacket and stole his hearing aid, when suddenly Auggie felt himself being pulled away as he ran. When they could finally stop, he realized his heroes were previous bullies. Once back at school, students became kinder and more empathetic, and Auggie finally felt as though he belonged. He survived the fifth grade, and even graduated with the Henry Ward Beecher medal, a prestigious award that recognized his character and kindness.

Evaluation: Personally, I would not use this book in my classroom because I am going to be an early childhood teacher and the themes are too mature. If I were to be a teacher for older students, however, I would most definitely use this novel. It is a beautiful story that teaches about acceptance, character, and kindness, all of which are characteristics that I want to help my students develop. 

I think this book can range from grades three to eight, and even beyond (I say this because I enjoyed it so much myself). Not only does it show creativity through writing style (i.e. written from different points of view, written as if the person that age is speaking, etc.), but it is about good age and grade that children a little younger and a little older can relate to.

If I were to use this book in my classroom, I would most likely use it as an aid to a writing assignment. For example, I would use Mr. Brown's precepts and then have my students write their own. It could also be a class assignment to read and then have in-class discussions about. I could also just have it out for silent reading.