Wonder

Title: Wonder

Author: R. J. Palacio

Genre: Bluebonnet 

Awards: New York Times Best Seller and Texas Bluebonnet Award master list

Age Group: 3rd‒12th grade

I just finished Wonder by R. J. Palacio! I will admit that I had already seen the movie prior to reading the book, so I already knew the basic storyline. Still, the book offered far more insight than the movie and I thought it was a pretty quick and enjoyable read that definitely makes you think and count your blessings.

This book tells the story of fifth-grader August (Auggie) Pullman, who has a medical condition resulting in the disfigurement of his facial features. This story is told from multiple perspectives, including Auggie's, his sister's, and his friends'.  Not only do we see his transition into attending school for the first time after being homeschooled his whole life, but we also see his transformation into finding freedom after being chained down by his differences for so long. There is a shift from just accepting the stares and looks of horror and disgust that he is so used to getting to finally being seen as just another kid who is loved and respected for his personality and his heart. There are many ups and downs throughout this book, but by the end, Auggie has loyal friends (such as Jack and Summer) that he can depend on and a strengthened relationship with his parents and sister. As the book closes out, he wins the Henry Ward Beecher medal at his graduation, representing a final breaking of the barrier between Auggie and the way that his condition affects him and his life. Auggie mentioned earlier in the book that everyone should get a standing ovation at least once in their life, and that is just what happened when he received this award. A sweet ending for sure!

I think I would use this book in the classroom assuming I taught upper elementary! It offers a lot to think about when it comes to the way that we treat others and reminds us that we are all God's children despite what we may look like on the outside. I don't think the author necessarily intended it to be taken in a religious view, but I thought a lot about how "man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). Whether I end up teaching in a Christian private school or a public school, I know that this book can serve as a lesson in treating others with kindness, always.

As for an appropriate grade level to read this book in, I think it would be best suited for third grade on up! It is simple enough for upper elementary students to read and understand, but holds enough meaning for even adults to be engaged in the plot! It did have some heavy topics throughout, such as Auggie's medical condition, death, relationships, and bullying. These are definitely important topics to discuss, but in the context of this book, I think it would be too much for lower elementary. 

One idea I had for how to use Wonder in the classroom would be to have the students create a book trailer. I know there is already a movie out for this book, but I thought it would be a fun way to combine technology with reading. Another idea I had was to have students write from a different character's perspective. I half expected Julian's point-of-view to make an appearance in this book, but it did not! Julian, Charlotte, Mr. Tushman, or Auggie's parents would all be interesting characters to write from the perspective of. Lastly, I think it would be neat to have students create a self-portrait of themselves and describe what makes them a "wonder". It would make a super cute bulletin board!