Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Title: Wonder 

Author: R.J. Palacio

Genre: Fiction, Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Topics: Bullies, Prejudiced, Self-acceptance, Family, Friends

Major Awards: #1 Best New York Seller

Ages: 9-11 Years old

Summary: 

The story Wonder by R.J. Palacio is about a boy name, August Pullman and his nick name is Auggie. Auggie was born with a disfigure face and lives in New York city with his father, his mother and his sister name Via. Most of his childhood, he was home schooled, but when he got to fifth grade level, his parents decided to put Auggie to Beecher Prep middle school. Auggie, however, was surprised about the decision his parents had made, and is not sure how to feel about going to school. Auggie feels anxious, nervous and mad at his parents because he is afraid that people will judge him for his disfigure face. On his first day of middle school, he meets Jack Will, Julian, and Summer. No-one wants to touch Auggie or sit next to him, but Summer eats lunch with him everyday. Summer and Jack Will becomes Auggie's good friend. Julian is the rude one. Auggie's favorite holiday is Halloween because he gets to hide behind a costume, and so does everyone else. However, Auggie over hears Jack Will commenting a very mean thing of him, and Auggie stops talking to him. Jack Will, asked Auggie why he stopped talking to him, and Jack Will apologizes. On camp day, a group of seventh graders bullies Auggie, and Jack Will comes in defense of Auggie, and punches them in the face. The news spreads all over school, and people began talking to Auggie. Auggie attends to the Beecher Prep graduation ceremony and is awarded for his strength throughout the school year and the impact he had made on other students. In the end, Auggie and his family celebrates him and he thanks his mom for sending him to school.

Book Evaluation:

1) I would love to include this book into my classroom because its a story of various kids point of view in which my students would be able to relate to. My Special education students will also be able to relate to Auggie. Also, the moral of the story is very touching, and I would love for them to learn from Auggie. 

2) I would include this book in my Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth grade classroom.

3) I would include this book into my Language Arts, Social Studies and Science Unit. I could have them, also play out the story, so that the story can come alive.