About the story

From BookPal: New York Times bestseller Wonder follows the life of August “Auggie” Pullman, a child born with a facial deformity that has prevented him from going to a mainstream school – until now. When he starts 5th grade at Beecher Prep, Auggie wants nothing more than to be treated as another ordinary kid, but his new classmates can’t get over his extraordinary face.

This refreshing new narrative of hope is Palacio’s “meditation on kindness.” By using multiple perspectives, Wonder paints a portrait of one community’s struggle with acceptance, compassion and empathy in a world where bullying among young people is an epidemic. Auggie is a diamond in the rough, a hero to root for who proves that if you’re born to stand out, there’s no way you can blend in!

This heart-warming novel is recommended for middle school readers, but is enjoyed by adults and teens alike! Because the book discusses special needs, acceptance and friendship, Wonder is a different kind of coming-of-age novel that will inspire readers of all ages, even those reading at an elementary school level. —BookPal

About the LitWits Mini-Explorer’s Guide 

Experience Wonder with your students in hands-on, meaningful ways! Your kids can “be” Mr. Browne and immortalize a precept in chalk,  prove words can change Auggie’s face, try doing “that look-away thing” to see what gets lost, and earn kindness awards. They can also explain an important idea in writing, script up some nastiness and turn Summery kindness on it, and “picture” the narrative arc! 

This LitWits Mini-Explorer’s Guide is a 40-page PDF. It’s a lesson planning resource ideal for grades 5-8, but it works for mature 4th-graders, too. Scroll down to get more details and a free idea with template.