Book of Diversity

Wonder
by R.J. Palacio 
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers
Copyright 2012

Suggested Delivery: Read aloud, independent read

Reading Level: Lexile level 790L, guided reading level U

Vocabulary: alignment, exasperated, horrific, jumble, illuminate, dissed, forewarned, roam, sympathetic, apprentice,precept, retrospect, meticulously, pretrified, anomalies, schlep

Awards: New York Times Bestseller, Texas Bluebonnet Award master list, 2012 BookBrowse Best Book for Young Readers Award, 2012 Booklist Best of Children's Books Award,  

"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 #1 New York Times bestseller and included on the Texas Bluebonnet Award master list, 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."- Amazon.com



This book is a rich, memorable, engaging, page turning novel filled with unforgettable characters, touching the hearts of every reader in unexpected ways.

Pre Reading Activity: Before reading this book, students should have some knowledge about Treacher-Collins syndrome. Should know that it is genetic and it causes structural damage to one's face. Students should also know that although there is permanent damage to the face, the child's intellectual and emotional levels function normally. It is only a physical adnomality.


During Reading Activity: While reading the story students can use the following question in a bookmark or just as a thought provoking question, "Have you ever felt different from others? In what way? How did others around you treat you? Do you feel as if Auggie deserved the treatment he received from his peers? Why or why not?"

Post Reading Activity: After reading the novel students can be divided into small groups. Each group can be assigned an important character from the story (Via, Jack, Summer, Justin, Mr. Tushman). After assigning the characters, students can discuss with their groupmates about how each character reacted and acted towards Auggie's deformity. Did their character help Auggie? How? Groups can then share with the whole class about their group's opinions of their assigned character.  

Writing Activity: After students read the story they can answer the following question in 1-2 paragraphs, "Throughout the book, Auggie describes the way that many people react to seeing his face for the first time: by immediately looking away. Have you ever been in a situation where you have responded like this to seeing someone different? Now that you have read this novel, how do you feel about having those types of reactions now?" 

Electronic Resources: 

Wonder Book Trailer
This video is a good hook for students to
spark more interest in the story. The video
includes music, real kids, and an interesting
hook to make students think the book is 
almost like a movie. This video can also be 
used as a pre reading activity.



Stop Bullying for Kids
This website is a good resource for students
to become more informed on what they can do
to stop bullying in their communities. Auggie
experienced a lot of bullying in his school and 
community. This website can help students feel
like their imputs and opinions do matter and that 
they can make a difference in others' lives. There
are messgage boards, games, and informational
links on how they can become more involved in this
national conflict.