Bookshelf by Sarah Neale

Introduction

sarah82neale — 2024-11-18 03:14:58 UTC

Wonder by R.J. Palacio is about a boy Auggie with a facial deformity that has his parents keeping him away from school and other children. Auggie finally goes to school for the first time and he is forced to face challenges like being bullied and making friends. As the story is told from many perspectives, the story promotes kindness, empathy, and looking past how we look on the outside. We learn the power of acceptance as we join Auggie on his journey and how small acts of kindness can have a powerful impact. This book encourages readers to choose kindness and it shows us that we are all struggling in some way.

sarah82neale — 2024-11-18 03:55:19 UTC

The setting takes place at Auggie's Middle school, Beecher Prep. It is between the school and his home, which is where most of his challenges are. The story will take us through many different locations in the school: the cafeteria, hallway, and classrooms.

Major Characters:

August Pullman (Auggie)- Auggie is a 10-year-old boy with a facial deformity caused by a genetic condition. He has been homeschooled his whole life until he decides to go to school. Despite his condition, Auggie is funny, kind, and smart. In the book, Auggie learns about being bullied, kindness, and being accepted.

Via Pullman- Auggies older sister who seems to be overshadowed by Auggie's condition, but loves Auggie very much and has her struggles.

Jack Will- Auggies first friend at school. Jack's friendship is a central piece of the story. Jack hesitates to be friends with Auggie due to peer pressure but later learns to overcome that.

Summer Dawson- Befreinds Auggie immediately and she doesn't let peer pressure keep her from being his friend. His appearance had no impact on her and she was quick to offer him a genuine friendship.

Julian Alabans- Is the bully of Auggie. He is rude and makes a point to make Auggie the target of cruel jokes and exclude him.

sarah82neale — 2024-11-18 04:19:56 UTC

Wonder is a story about a 10-year-old boy named August Pullman (Auggie.) Auggie is born with a facial deformity that has his parents homeschool him until now. His parents decide that it is time for Auggie to go to school and experience life outside of homeschooling. His mother particularly is concerned about how he will be treated. Auggie is nervous about his appearance and going to school for the first time.

As the story begins, Auggie attends Beecher Prep school. The story is told in multiple perspectives and gives different points of view of various characters as they struggle with Auggie's appearance.

Auggie faces challenges right away with bullying and student looking at him with pitty. The student's are shocked when they see him for the first time. Some students, like Julian make fun of him, call him cruel names, and bully him. Others like Summer and Jack Will show him friendship and kindness. Throughout the school year, Auggie experiences self-doubt and loneliness but also shows growth. One of the major moments is when Jack realizes how wrong he is to distance himself from Auggie due to peer pressure. Jack realizes how important it is for him to stand up for Auggie. Auggies internal journey is to learn how to navigate the ups and downs of middle school.

Via, Auggie's older sister feels neglected because of all the family's focus on Auggie. Though she loves Auggie very much, she wants her family to pay attention to her. Via also grows in the story as she learns to reconcile her feelings and support Auggie.

sarah82neale — 2024-11-18 04:23:28 UTC

The key themes explored in the Novel are kindness, empathy, bullying, acceptance, courage, resilience, family, and friendship.

sarah82neale — 2024-11-18 04:37:46 UTC

Wonder is a heartwarming story and has left a lasting impact on me. Auggie's character is wonderfully developed and I love how his journey is about struggles and growth. I appreciate the portrayal of the challenges of being different in a world that most of the time prioritizes appearance. It shows how compelling this story is.

My takeaway is the importance of kindness even the smallest gestures can have a powerful impact on someone. Also, don't judge a book by its cover. This is something I try to instill in my children never judge someone on their appearance.

sarah82neale — 2024-11-18 04:42:21 UTC

Title: Wonder

Author: R.J. Palacio

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Year of Publication: 2012

Availability: Available in most bookstores (Barns & Noble and Amazon), libraries, and ebooks.

Sarah Neale

sarah82neale — 2024-11-18 04:42:42 UTC