Wonder by R. J. Palacio

Title: Wonder

Author: R. J. Palacio

Lexile Level: 790L

Recommended for

Grades: Fourth Grade to Sixth Grade

Summary/Book Review

The book titled Wonder by: R. J. Palacio focuses on the main character, August or "Auggie", that has been homeschooled and then introduced to a mainstream classroom during fifth grade. Auggie faces bullying due to his deformity.

 I found this interesting because its discusses the topic of whether or not Special Educational Needs (SEN) students should be introduced to a mainstream classroom. I believe that it was interesting to see Auggie’s point of view as he adjusts to a new learning environment at Beecher Prep. In addition, his older sister, Via’s point of view is interesting. 

I like the different point of views throughout the novel through Auggie and his I believe that it is important that the theme of addressing bullying occurs. I believe that middle school can be a challenging time for some students, because it from my experience middle school/junior high school students focus more on figuring out their identity as well as bonding with other with traits and interests that they have in common. If an individual is unique and do not “fit in” or possess the usual persona, this student stands out and he/she may have a harder time. This is particularly challenging as a new student. Through my own experience of being bullied in middle school, I think Auggie overcoming this obstacle as well as gaining some acceptance by his classmates and gaining friends is heartwarming. I believe that this can story can be seen as inspirational.

I love that this story possesses Star Wars references. Auggie’s attempt to shed his persona in order to fit in can be viewed a symbol of him maturing and seeking to develop new interests. I can relate to this, because I grew up liking Star Wars, which helped with the bond with my father. It is not present in my life as seen Auggie’s life, as described through the reference in the text, however, I look back fondly at memories from my childhood.

Auggie owns various Star Wars related items and he tries to change himself in order to fit in without everyone by being more mature. However, I think that Star Wars brings out the nostalgia and can be fun at any age. 

In addition, I believe that I would utilize the topic of space in order to tie an astronomy lesson about the Solar System. Students’ learning about the Solar System is a great way to discuss the specifics of each planet. The lesson would tie in what is a solar eclipse, and the cause and effect of this event. Due to this occurrence in August, I think it would be an interest to students.

Learning Standards

“1. Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.

  6. Describe how a narrator’s or speaker’s point of view influences how events are described.

  a. Recognize and describe how an author’s background and culture affect his or her perspective.”
     
     (Reading Standards for Literature Grade 5)

Learning Goal

Students identify the similarities and differences between the literature.

Learning Objective

Students identify the similarities and differences between the similarities and differences between the texts titled Wonder by: R. J. Palacio and The strange case of Origami Yoda by: Tom Angleberger.

Learning Activity

In this learning activity, students will read the text titled The strange case of Origami Yoda by: Tom Angleberger. In a class discussion, students will compare the similarities and differences between the texts the following texts: Wonder by: R. J. Palacio and The strange case of Origami Yoda by: Tom Angleberger. Students will learn to identify the story elements and how to cite properly from the text as well as provide an analysis of the texts. Then, students will create a visual presentation (e.g. PowerPoint) and presenting it to their peers. This learning activity will be assessed through a rubric.

Learning Outcome

Students learn how to identify the similarities and differences, create proper citations and critical analysis between the texts titled Wonder by: R. J. Palacio and The strange case of Origami Yoda by: Tom Angleberger.

Selling Tool 

Book Review

References

Mid-Hudson Library System -- Wonder / R.J. Palacio.. (2017). Search.midhudsonlibraries.org. Retrieved 16 October 2017, from http://search.midhudsonlibraries.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb2000014__Swonder__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&suite=cobalt

New York State P-12 Common Core Learning Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy. (n.d.). Retrieved October 16, 2017, from https://www.engageny.org/resource/new-york-state-p-12-common-core-learning-standards-for-english-language-arts-and-literacy

For teachers. (n.d.). Retrieved October 17, 2017, from http://rjpalacio.com/for-teachers.html 

The strange case of Origami Yoda / Tom Angleberger. (n.d.). Retrieved October 17, 2017, from http://search.midhudsonlibraries.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1929413__SStrange%20Case%20of%20Origami%20Yoda__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&suite=cobalt

Palacio, R. (2012). Wonder (p. 315). Alfred A. Knopf.