There are books that you enjoy, and there are books that make a difference in your life. Wonder, written by RJ Palacio, is a moving book that opens the eyes to the feelings of someone who is different. By addressing the perspectives of not just the main character but many characters who interact with the child with a facial deformity, we learn about bullying, fairness, kindness, and strength… making the readers more open-minded and giving them a stronger look at themselves.
As a parent and as a teacher, I highly recommend Wonder to all fourth, fifth, and sixth-grade students, as well as their parents. Read it together, discuss it together, and live it together. You’ll be amazed at how your family will connect over this story.
My friend Stacy of Root Tree Twig said it well:
You get the sense in Wonder that each of the characters – good, bad, or seemingly indifferent – are just doing the best they can. I often wondered while reading how I would react being the mother, sister, friend of someone with such a severe deformity, or how I would react if it were me instead. There is so much raw, honest, human emotion in this book it’s easy to put yourself in any of the character’s shoes.
Read Stacy’s book review of Wonder.
Watch my video review of Wonder by RJ Palacio
Watch the Wonder trailer:
