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Wonder
Last updated Friday, July 13, 2012
Author: R. J. Palacio
Date of Publication: 2012
ISBN: 0375869026
Grade Level: 5th (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jul. 2012
Synopsis:
I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse.
August Pullman was born with a facial deformity that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. WONDER, now a New York Times bestseller, begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance.
| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Do you think people judge you based on your appearance instead of getting to know you first? Do you do this to others?
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Do you know anyone with a disability?
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Have your parents ever made you do something you didn't want to do?
Vocabulary
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Anomalies: odd, abnormal conditions
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Hindsight: Analyzing a situation after it happens
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Percussion: instruments that you strike with sticks or your hands
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Obnoxious: Annoying
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Schlep: Something that involves a lot of work
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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Have you ever moved to a new school? How did you feel?
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What do you think will happen to August at the new school?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Punch holes on either side of a paper plate and cut out eyes to create a mask. Have the kids draw the face they show to the world on one side of the plate, and on the other side, have the kids draw who they feel they are on the inside. The kids can choose to show either their "outside" or "inside" face.
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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