WONDER by R. J.
Palacio, Thorndike Press, 2012
The first time I
read this novel, I thought everyone should read it: teens,
tweens, parents, youth group leaders, middle school teachers. Why? This book enlightens and empowers any
reader who has trouble figuring out who he or she is and where (and when) that
person will ever fit in. (Isn’t that everybody?)
For those who think fitting
in is a middle school dilemma, I’m sorry to break this news to you, but for
many, the fitting in part never really ends. Adults just disguise it better
behind these words they say so often they don’t hear themselves,
“What will people think?” It takes a lot
of living--or a lot of courage-- to say, “I don’t care!”
The story of Auggie’s
fifth grade experiences are told from the point of view of his older sister and
her boyfriend, one of her closest friends, two of Auggie’s new
friends, and Auggie himself who offers beginning,
middle, and end commentary. If you are one of the lucky ones who read this
novel when it first came out, you may want to read it again to prepare for the
next novel.
If you haven’t read
it, you are also lucky because the author has added another book to explore the
wonder Auggie inspires. The second one reveals
the background of three not so likeable characters from the first book. Why
were they mean or uncaring or just plain bullies? Lucky you can read both books without waiting
to find out!
AUGGIE & ME,
three wonder stories, by R. J. Palacio, Alfred A. Knopf, 2015
A cast of three characters tells the story in the same style as
Wonder:
Julien, chosen to be
on the welcome committee in Wonder when
Auggie Pullman, homeschooled until the end of 4th grade, decides to
attend Beecher Prep. In the first book, the reader will be confounded by Julien's actions and wonder why
he is the way he is.
Charlotte, also
chosen to be a welcome buddy by a well meaning principal, wore the role uncomfortably, but
served the purpose. Many will identify with her struggle to be the “good girl.”
Christopher, Auggie’s early childhood friend who moved away. The timing was good for Christopher. He had just begun to feel uncomfortable in public when his friend Auggie received weird looks. These friends experience two kinds of separation, distance and their own personal change.
Do you get the
feeling I’m tiptoeing around something here? Why would the principal feel the
need to appoint welcome buddies for Auggie in the first place? Aren’t many
students faced with being “the new kid” every year? Well, Auggie gives new
meaning to the stiff and solemn adult advice to face down the enemy. August
Pullman is very different from the usual “new kid.” Born with a facial
deformity that is startling, frightening to some, and bound to attract bullies,
Auggie manages to grow beautiful on the inside while his outside disfigurement
causes social chaos for children and adults.
Lucky you!
