"Always try to be a little kinder than necessary."
-J.M. Barrie
Wonder (2012) by R.J. Palacio forces readers to think critically about how they've treated and thought of people who may look different or have a rare disease or other condition. Readers will no doubt re-evaluate their actions and thoughts going forward and hopefully respond with just a little extra kindness.
At some point, you've likely caught yourself committing a double take or staring longer than is courteous at someone who was a little "weird" looking. Have you ever thought about what that person has to go through every day? What if every person performed a double take -- or worse -- upon seeing your face? Needless, to say, it would get tiring in a hurry. Wonder's protagonist, Auggie Pullman, is one of those people. He has a severe facial deformity, a "previously unknown type of mandibulofacial dysostosis caused by an autosomal recessive mutation in the TCOF1 gene ... complicated by a hemifacial microsomia" to be specific. Home schooled through fourth grade, Auggie's incredible story takes readers through his struggles and triumphs in the fifth grade. It's no surprise to discover that he encounters many difficulties along the way. Kids can be cruel.
I think Wonder presents a golden opportunity to bring in some non-fiction texts. Students can read more about Auggie's condition, and other rare diseases. Just this week I saw a story of radio deejays mocking a man with Lou Gehrig's Disease made headlines. Such stories recall the words of Mr. Tushman in the book: There may be cruel people in the world. But they'll always be outnumbered by the kind people. Real life stories about bullying and what some schools have done to stanch it would also make excellent non-fictional supplements to the text.
Another element of the story which makes it super relatable is the multiple perspectives, since Wonder features several narrators. Few of us have ever experienced what Auggie has, but there are characters we can more easily identify with.
Another element of the story which makes it super relatable is the multiple perspectives, since Wonder features several narrators. Few of us have ever experienced what Auggie has, but there are characters we can more easily identify with.
I've truly loved pretty much every YA book I read for the course. But I didn't love any of them more than Wonder. It's not just that it's impossible to put down, it's impossible to not be affected by it. Auggie Pullman is officially added to my list of favorite underdog heroes. That feeling you get after watching a feel-good, inspiring, yet emotional and profound film -- that's how I felt at the end of Wonder. You'll be joining in his standing ovation. As Auggie says, everyone should get a standing ovation at least once in their life.
And if I haven't convinced you to read it, here's a sweet book trailer.
And if I haven't convinced you to read it, here's a sweet book trailer.
"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle."
-Plato
My sixth-grade practicum students read this book and loved it. It is a great book for students to read and explore. Not only does it show how others may feel but how their (the students) actions have a direct impact on others. My practicum teacher pulled in some great in class-activities that worked off the theme of empathy and bullying.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I totally watched that book trailer too and my first thought was, "I hope our book trailers don't have to be even in the same ballpark of how good this is!" Second of all, I love the idea of pulling nonfiction into a unit on this book, specifically those dealing with the issue of bullying. I had never thought of that, but I think that would make this book hold even more real-world value than it already holds on its own.
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