By R.J.Palacio
I broke one of my personal rules, I read a series book out of order. This is an extension of the book "Wonder", the story of Auggie Pullman. Auggie was born with facial deformation and has had a rough beginning to his life. He has had several surgeries, and is home schooled for the first several years, finally, he is able to go to school for fifth grade. In this book you meet some people that meet Auggie and read how they react to Auggie as a classmate or friend.
The first person we meet is Julian, an attractive young man that will be going into Beecher Prep with Auggie. Julian is very popular and is considered a leader among his classmates. He is asked by the school's principal to be Auggie's welcome buddy, so he meets him before the beginning of the school year. Julian, however, has issues with Auggie's appearance. In typical bully mode Julian makes it his personal mission to make Auggie's life miserable. Julian's parents, who donate a lot of time and money to the school, see nothing wrong with his actions. In fact justify and place blame on everyone but themselves and Julian. They end up pulling Julian from Beecher Prep, because they are unable to accept Auggie. Over summer vacation, Julian visits his grandmother and has a change of heart and finally apologizes to Auggie and accepts responsibility for his actions. Julian matures through his association with Auggie.
Next, you will meet Christopher, Auggies oldest and best friend. Christopher has moved away from Auggie and attends school elsewhere. Christopher, or Pluto, has the ability to see beyond the surface and sees the wonderful, intelligent and funny kid. He is not perfect, however, and acknowledges that being friends with Auggie can be hard. Especially, when his new friends make fun of Auggie's appearance. This short story encompanses one short day, but is rife with flashbacks into their long friendship. Christopher discovers that even through distance, friendships can endure and that true friends are there for you whenever and however they are needed.
Finally, you meet Charlotte a classmate at Beecher Prep. She is struggling with her own drama and tries to remain neutral in the boy battle. Charlotte loses her longest and best friend to the popular group of girls. As the boy battle wages on, she is selected to perform in a dance trio with one of the popular girls and Summer. Summer is incredibly nice young lady, who has befriended Auggie on her own. As the girls practice over a couple of months they form a unique bond that transcends school social strata. The lasting lesson is that as kids mature they may form new interests and friendships and although they may retain some of these bonds it's okay to change. It shows how difficult it can be for people to maintain neutrality when they have friends on both sides of drama.
Even though these are short stories there is so much content and teachable life lessons throughout each! All of these are wonderful stories and should be shared with grades fourth and up. I am giving this book a 5 out of 5 stars, totally enjoyed this quick read and will keep a personal copy with me for years to come.
Links
Author, R.J. Palacio
Childhood facial deformities
Next, you will meet Christopher, Auggies oldest and best friend. Christopher has moved away from Auggie and attends school elsewhere. Christopher, or Pluto, has the ability to see beyond the surface and sees the wonderful, intelligent and funny kid. He is not perfect, however, and acknowledges that being friends with Auggie can be hard. Especially, when his new friends make fun of Auggie's appearance. This short story encompanses one short day, but is rife with flashbacks into their long friendship. Christopher discovers that even through distance, friendships can endure and that true friends are there for you whenever and however they are needed.
Finally, you meet Charlotte a classmate at Beecher Prep. She is struggling with her own drama and tries to remain neutral in the boy battle. Charlotte loses her longest and best friend to the popular group of girls. As the boy battle wages on, she is selected to perform in a dance trio with one of the popular girls and Summer. Summer is incredibly nice young lady, who has befriended Auggie on her own. As the girls practice over a couple of months they form a unique bond that transcends school social strata. The lasting lesson is that as kids mature they may form new interests and friendships and although they may retain some of these bonds it's okay to change. It shows how difficult it can be for people to maintain neutrality when they have friends on both sides of drama.
Even though these are short stories there is so much content and teachable life lessons throughout each! All of these are wonderful stories and should be shared with grades fourth and up. I am giving this book a 5 out of 5 stars, totally enjoyed this quick read and will keep a personal copy with me for years to come.
Links
Author, R.J. Palacio
Childhood facial deformities
No comments:
Post a Comment