This year we will be reading the book 'WONDER' by R.J Palacio as our whole class novel. This book provides us with some interesting themes that can be explored further in Key Stage 2 such as empathy, acceptance and anti-bullying as part of our Personal Development and Mutual Understanding curriculum. We are sure that reading this book will provide us with many exciting debates and discussions in the classroom.
The Adventures in Literacyland website perfectly sums up the reasons for choosing this book as our class novel.
Why You Should Read WONDER
1. R.J. Palacio called her debut novel a "meditation of kindness". It is a beautiful story of kindness and how it isn't always easy to step outside of our comfort zones, but it is so worth it.
2. Along with kindness, the book is rich with other themes such as anti-bullying and having compassion, acceptance, and empathy for others. Students will be able to relate to these themes and how Auggie desires to want to fit in, not stand out.
3. With so much to discuss, the book makes for a memorable read aloud, as a literature circle selection, or as a whole-class novel.
4. Auggie's English teacher, Mr. Browne has a precept for each month of the year for his students (and the reader) to ponder. You may have seen his September precept floating around on Pinterest or Facebook: When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind. And so the kindness theme begins!
5. The author's craft is just stunning! From the shifting points of view to character development to vocabulary, and theme, the book is artistically woven together. And as a result, the story teaches, entertains, and inspires the reader to be a better person.
6. After reading, you will be amazed at how one kid, one little kid, can change and affect an entire school. And then you can encourage students to Be the change you want to see in this world {Mahatma Gandhi}.
7. You will be encouraged by the message of hope that is in the book. Yes, there is hope, always hope, and YOU can overcome what seems like insurmountable challenges.
We really hope that the children enjoy this book as much as we do. By the end of the year we hope that they will recognise that if they have a choice between being right and being kind, it's always better to CHOOSE KIND.
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