Wonder (Module 6)

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Palacio, R. J. 2012. Wonder. New York: Knopf Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 9780375869020.

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Born with severe craniofacial difference, Auggie begins fifth grade at a public school for the first time ever. He encounters bullying, makes friends, and earns the respect of his peers. He learns what life is really all about while teaching others as well.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Palacio has created a very successful and sensitive treatment of a difficult topic. She uses different points of views to draw the reader in and round out the story. With each character that narrates, even for a short time, the reader gets to see Auggie from a new view and understand more completely not only what his life is like but what life is like for those who love him. It helps give a more holistic view of the story and the characters.

Entering middle school is a difficult time for most students, so a middle school is the ideal setting for this story. It allows for a unique group of characters that are on the cusp of changing and growing in big and small ways. The characters ring true like Julian that has all the adults thinking he's great while he's far from it, Summer who simply wants to be nice, and Jack who almost loses his friendship with Auggie while trying to look cool.

The adults bring in both great direction in the younger characters' lives and create problems as well. Auggie has wonderful parents that want the best for him, a principal that is trying to help him adjust while not being over controlling, and a teacher that wants the students to learn about life as much as the curriculum. However, there are also adults who don't want him around the school and feel he is pulling down the school. Adults sometimes who act worse than the kids.

Simple illustrations for each character help give a feel for them while not showing everything. Each drawing has only one eye and then an inspirational quote underneath. The simple drawings also emphasize the importance of the face in this story about craniofacial differences.

The precepts from Mr. Browne's class really encapsulate the theme of kindness and compassion in this book. They help younger readers interpret what they are reading as the novel progresses and helps readers think through how they should interact with others without sounding trite or cheesy. The invitation to create their own precepts at the end allows students to internalize what they have read.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

• Texas Bluebonnet Book, 2012-13
• Publisher's Weekly Starred: “Few first novels pack more of a punch: it's a rare story with the power to open eyes-and hearts-to what it's like to be singled out for a difference you can't control, when all you want is to be just another face in the crowd.”
• Booklist Starred: “Palacio makes it feel not only effortless but downright graceful, and by the stand-up-and-cheer conclusion, readers will be doing just that, and feeling as if they are part of this troubled but ultimately warm-hearted community.”
• Kirkus Starred: “A memorable story of kindness, courage and wonder.”

5. CONNECTIONS

• R J Palacio's website has the trailer, book reviews, FAQs, annotations, author, and for teachers tabs. The annotations tab is filled with tidbits about the book readers would find interesting and the FAQs give insight into how Palacio created this book. The teacher tab has multiple discussion questions. It is a great place to go to start a study on this book.
• NPR has an interview with R J Palacio that gives background into the author's inspiration for the novel. Use it to do and author study, a preview before reading the book, or to stimulate discussion.
• Choose Kind website has been created for students to interact with the book. They can sign a kindness pledge, print out stickers, e-cards, and certificates. There are also educator resources available.