Palacio, R.J. Wonder. Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2012.
Lexile Level: 790L
BOOK REVIEW:
Wonder is about a young boy named Auggie, who has never attended public school before. He was born with many facial deformities and has had numerous procedures to help him look more “normal” and be able to speak. This book takes the reader on an adventure through the first year of school for Auggie, the ups and downs at school, and the perspective of the family and friends in his life.
The book Wonder left me very satisfied and I felt it fulfilled a gap that is missing in literature for this age range. I did not expect to experience each of the different perspectives through the story, and was happy they were in chronological order, rather than each person telling their perception of the same time period. This gave a feeling that August was just like anyone else, because anyone could tell that part of the story and you would learn something difference, regardless of their appearance. I think this also helped shed light on some important themes other than perspective, such as friendship and secrets. The relationships between August and Summer and August and Jack each include secrets to benefit or protect someone else, which blow up in their face. This teaches children to be honest, and that sometimes you have to give someone the benefit of the doubt that they can handle it if they are really your friend.
I was particularly intrigued by the characters of Isabel and Nate, Auggie’s parents, and initially disliked them because of how they babied August (and ignored his sister Via) and allowed him to baby himself. This made me even more proud of August when he begins to reject some of their unnecessary actions like putting him to bed.
Overall, this book brought to light some very real issues, but in a safe way. Some of the safety was in the changing of characters. When it felt too overwhelming and emotional to continuing being in one character's shoes, you as the reader had the chance to ‘be someone else’ for a while. My favorite aspect of the book was that the reader didn’t have the chance to feel sorry for August, but to be proud of him, his family, and his real friends.
Learning Activity
A fourth grade class will read wonder together (whole group or in guided reading groups). The teacher will share each of Mr. Browne’s precepts and discuss what they mean.
After completing the novel, students will each choose a precept and write an essay of at least four paragraphs. The essay will include an introduction and conclusion, a paragraph (or more) describing how the precept relates to the book (or one character), and one paragraph (or more) of how the precept relates to them. The teacher will choose a precept that was not chosen by students and give an example. Students must use at least three pieces of evidence from the text and at least two examples from their life to support their points. STudents must follow proper grammar and spelling.
When students are finished, they will be grouped with those who chose the same precept and create a PowerPoint slideshow in which they explain how the precept relates to the book and and specific characters. These PowerPoints will be shared with the class.
Objectives
Students will be able to write an essay following proper format; introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
Students will use proper grammar and spelling.
Students will write at least one paragraph to demonstrate how the precept relates to the book (or character) using at least three pieces of evidence from the text.
Students will write at least one paragraph describing how the precept relates to their life, and give at least two examples.
Students will work in groups to complete a PowerPoint illustrating how one precept relates to the text.
Goals
Students will be able to recognize how precepts are a part of language and can have different meaning to different people (and stories). Students will work in groups to combine their knowledge and understanding of a text.
Outcomes
Students will write an essay following proper essay format, including an explanation of how the precept they chose relates to the text and to their own life. Students will work together to create a PowerPoint illustrating their collective findings.
Standards
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development and organization are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
With some guidance and support from adults, use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others; demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum of one page in a single sitting.
