Wonder by R.J. Palacio is a novel that tells the story of a young boy named August who is born with a facial deformity. Despite the challenges he faces, August is determined to attend a mainstream school and make friends.
Wonder is a powerful and moving book that can be a great teaching tool for many reasons.
First, the novel deals with themes of acceptance and empathy. Throughout the story, we see August struggle to be accepted by his peers and navigate the social challenges of being a young person with a visible difference. However, he also learns to be kind and understanding towards others who are different from him. By reading Wonder, students can learn about the importance of treating everyone with kindness and respect, regardless of how they look or act.
Second, the novel showcases the power of perseverance. Despite the difficulties he faces, August never gives up on his dream of attending a mainstream school and making friends. This can be a valuable lesson for students, who may be struggling with their own challenges and need to be reminded that they can overcome anything if they keep trying.
Third, the novel is written in a relatable and engaging way. R.J. Palacio has a talent for creating realistic and likable characters, and the story is filled with humor and heart. This makes it easy for students to connect with the characters and become invested in the story.
Wonder is a fantastic book to teach because it deals with important themes, showcases the power of perseverance, and is written in a relatable and engaging way. By reading this novel, students can learn valuable lessons about acceptance, empathy, and perseverance, and be entertained at the same time.
For lesson plan ideas for Wonder, click here.
And to get a full unit plan with everything you need to teach Wonder, click here.
