What makes wonder by -RJ Palacio a great book for families

e bought a copy of the book 2 years back and it has been my favorite read ever since. Wonder is the perfect book to explore self-learning with kids.

The story revolves around the main character, August Pullman, who has facial differences which have caused him to be home-schooled by his parents until fifth grade. We read about his struggles as he enters a mainstream school for the first time and how he handles his newfound fame

This book will teach kids to be kind and respectful to everyone, no matter what they look like or where they come from. It also helps children understand that it’s not only okay to be different but it is something that should be celebrated. Kids learn to accept, appreciate, and embrace diversity in a very natural way.

There are these moments in the book Wonder, written by RJ Palacio that are truly remarkable. They can inspire us to reflect upon our own lives and how we interact with others. With its powerful and thought-provoking themes, Wonder encourages self-discovery, understanding, empathy, and compassion for all people. It is a book that both adults and children can benefit from reading together.

There are many reasons Wonder can be a great read for your family

"Wonder" tells the story of a young boy who looks different from his peers and faces challenges because of it. Reading the book with kids can help them understand what it feels like to be in someone else's shoes and promote empathy and kindness towards others.

• Teaches important life lessons: "Wonder" highlights important life lessons such as the importance of kindness, acceptance, and perseverance. Reading the book with kids can help reinforce these values and encourage children to adopt them in their own lives.

In the world where we talk about so many things do we stop to talk about kindness and acceptance? This book Wonder can be an amazing tool to start a conversation about kindness understand how important it is to see things from the perspective of others. They'll learn that  everyone is different and that's okay.

• Spark conversations: The themes and issues presented in "Wonder" can spark important conversations with kids about topics such as bullying, discrimination, and inclusion. Reading the book together can provide a safe space for kids to ask questions, express their feelings, and learn more about these issues.

You can expect a lot of question from kids  as they read along with you, providing an opportunity for meaningful conversations like  why August feels so alone, how he handle bullying or What would you do if your best friend was unkind to someone? Why we differ from one another and why it is okay to be different etc.

• Inspires critical thinking: "Wonder" presents complex characters and situations, and reading the book with kids can inspire critical thinking and discussions about different perspectives, emotions, and motivations.

Different people in Auggie's class had different reaction to him and it is a great opportunity to teach kids the importance of being open-minded and compassionate towards others. Overall, reading the book 'Wonder' with kids can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Also its important to understand that not everyone will have the same opinion. Furthermore, it teaches us that we should be respectful and accepting of everyone regardless of appearance or background.

• Engaging and accessible: "Wonder" is written in an accessible and engaging way, making it an excellent choice for children of different ages and reading levels. The part in the book written from Auggie's perspective helps readers  to get inside his head and understand his feelings. This book will also help kids to explore what friendship really means.

The character of Auggie

August "Auggie" Pullman is the main character in the book "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio. Auggie was born with a facial deformity that makes him look different from other children, and the story follows his journey as he navigates life with this condition. Auggie's character is complex and multi-dimensional, and here are some key traits that define him:

1. Resilient: Auggie is a resilient character who has faced many challenges in his life, both physical and emotional. Despite the obstacles he faces, he remains determined and keeps pushing forward, which inspires those around him.
2. Kind: Auggie is a kind and compassionate person who treats others with respect and empathy, even when he is not treated the same way. His kindness and generosity of spirit make him a beloved character in the book.
3. Brave: Auggie's life has not been easy, but he faces his challenges with courage and bravery. He shows bravery in many ways, from starting a new school to standing up to bullies, which makes him a role model for readers.
4. Humorous: Despite the difficulties he faces, Auggie has a great sense of humor and can find joy in the small things in life. His humor and wit bring levity to the story and make him a relatable and likable character.
5. Insightful: Auggie has a deep understanding of himself and the world around him. He is perceptive and insightful, which allows him to see beyond appearances and understand people's true motivations and feelings.

Auggie's mother, Isabel Pullman, plays a significant role in the story and offers several insights into the role of a mother, including:

1. Unconditional love: Throughout the book, Isabel's love for Auggie is evident. She sees beyond his physical appearance and focuses on his personality, strengths, and accomplishments. She encourages him and supports him through his challenges, demonstrating the importance of unconditional love in a mother's role.
2. Advocacy: Isabel serves as a strong advocate for Auggie, both at home and school. She fights for his rights and ensures that he receives the support and accommodations he needs to succeed. This highlights the critical role that mothers play in advocating for their children's needs and well-being.
3. Empathy and Understanding: Isabel has a deep understanding of Auggie's challenges and experiences. She empathizes with him and tries to see the world through his eyes, which helps her support him better. This emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in a mother's role and how it can help them connect with their children and support them effectively.

The character of Auggie's mom

Auggie's mother, Isabel Pullman, plays a significant role in the story and offers several insights into the role of a mother, including:

1. Unconditional love: Throughout the book, Isabel's love for Auggie is evident. She sees beyond his physical appearance and focuses on his personality, strengths, and accomplishments. She encourages him and supports him through his challenges, demonstrating the importance of unconditional love in a mother's role.
2. Advocacy: Isabel serves as a strong advocate for Auggie, both at home and school. She fights for his rights and ensures that he receives the support and accommodations he needs to succeed. This highlights the critical role that mothers play in advocating for their children's needs and well-being.
3. Empathy and Understanding: Isabel has a deep understanding of Auggie's challenges and experiences. She empathizes with him and tries to see the world through his eyes, which helps her support him better. This emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in a mother's role and how it can help them connect with their children and support them effectively.

Quotes from the movie Wonder

“Funny how sometimes you worry a lot about something and it turns out to be nothing.”

“Here’s what I think: the only reason I’m not ordinary is that no one else sees me that way.”

My mom always said, 'If you don’t like where you are just picture where you want to be'.”

“Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings, and propel us, on occasion, to greatness.”

“The best way to measure how much you've grown isn't by inches or the number of laps you can now run around the track, or even your grade point average-- though those things are important, to be sure. It's what you've done with your time, how you've chosen to spend your days, and whom you've touched this year. That, to me, is the greatest measure of success.”

This can be a great read while winding up at night with kids before going to bed. Wonder shows us the importance of understanding, empathy, and unconditional love. It is an uplifting story that teaches lessons such as self-acceptance, perseverance, and courage.

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