Wonder tells the story of ten-year-old August (Auggie) Pullman, who was born with severe facial differences. Auggie is starting at Beecher Prep School, having previously been home-schooled. The book explores Auggie's experience and also that of his older sister Via, who is starting her first year in high school.
The main themes are tolerance, kindness, friendship and parental angst. Auggie's teacher Mr Tushman gives his students a monthly precept. These precepts help to articulate the author's message. Beecher Prep is a private 'non-inclusion' school. This brings up the debate as to whether looking different is a disability.
The first part of the book is written from Auggie's perspective. The second part details the same time period from Via's viewpoint. Auggie's friend Summer then covers the same period. Another student, Jack, takes the story forward. This is followed by a few chapters from Justin, Via's boyfriend. The story returns to Auggie for the final part.
The book is similar to Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper but more predictable and feel-good. It would be a good book to share with a Stage 3 class (10-12-year-olds); it provides lots of opportunities to discuss both bullying and pro-social behaviour. Via's experiences at high school (her two best friends drop her) would also be interesting to explore.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.