Wonder is WONDERful

We continue to read Wonder and kids are completely captivated by this amazing story.  As we read, we discuss what is happening and write our thoughts down on our WONDER charts.  Having them not only talk about what we’ve read, but committing those thoughts to paper is helpful, as it helps them process what has happened and helps them to remember things long after we’ve finished the book. 

There are a million things to love about this book.  One of my favorite things is how the author uses POINT OF VIEW so well.  The story begins from the point of view of the main character August Pullman.  We then get to hear the same story told from the point of view of Via (August’s sister), Jack Will (his best friend), Summer (another best friend), Justin (Via’s boyfriend), and Miranda (Via’s ex-best friend).  It is a wonderful way for kids to begin to understand point of view and how it can enhance a story to hear about something in more than one way.  The conversations we have based on these different points of view are marvelous.  The last part of the story bounces back to August’s point of view.  Here are some questions you could ask your child about the book and its characters:

Would you want to be Auggie’s friend?  Why or why not?

Why do you think Julian was so mean to Auggie?

In what ways have you been, or could be, “a little kinder than necessary?”

Which character do you relate the most to?  Why?

At the start of the book, Via felt that her family treated August too much like a baby.  What are some ways that August grew up during the course of the story?

Why do you think the author chose to tell the story from several different points of view?

How would you describe Mr. Tushman?

Why do you think August forgave Jack?

Why didn’t the author include Julian’s point of view in the original book?

We are almost done with this book…but will continue reading Julian’s chapter next!  Stay tuned!