Wonder by R.J Palacio

I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse. August Pullman was born with a facial difference 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.

Embark on a journey of empathy and self-discovery, where characters navigate life’s challenges, making it an ideal reading book for Key Stage 2.

Genre: life, friendship, kindness

Themes: Bullying, Life and Death, Creativity and Imagination, Friendship, Love and Courage

Age: 9-11 years old

R.J. Palacio - Wonder book cover

Activities

1. Retrieval and inference. Ask learners to discuss and list all of the ways that other characters are not kind to Auggie. Then ask learners to discuss and list ways they would have been nice to Auggie.

2. Top Trumps. Using all the characters in the novel, get learners to create Top Trump cards for each. Each card must include a brief description of them, their relationship to Auggie (can be a score) and also a kindness score based on how they treat Auggie.

3. Self portraits. Each chapter is told from the perspective of a different character and they all have their own unique portraits. Get your learners to create their own portraits in the ‘Wonder’ style that highlights a defining feature.

4. Write a letter. Auggie is subject to a lot of bullying at his school. Get your learners to write a letter to the Principal (Headteacher) outlining what should be done to make things better for Auggie and other children at his school.

5. Kindness postcards. Get your learners to choose someone in their life (could be real or imaginary) that could do with a little more kindness. Write a postcard with a message of kindness for them.

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