WONDER PRESENTATION- GIORGIO SAITTA

wonder

A R.J. PALACIO BOOK

INDEX

BRIEF INTRODUCTION

ANALYSIS

TEAM

WONDERCHARACTERS

THANKS

A BRIEF INTRODUCTION

In her immensely popular novel Wonder, R. J. Palacio makes a case for the power of kindness in the world. When it was published in 2012, Wonder caused a sensation, and it has continued to remain near the top of middle-grade reading lists in schools across the United States. It is an accessible book for young readers, relying on its skillful writing, compelling plot, and diversity of characters and perspectives to capture their attention.

The main characters in Wonder are August, Via, Jack, Julian, Summer, Miranda, Justin, and Mr. Tushman.

August Pullman is a ten-year-old boy who was born with severe birth defects. Olivia “Via” Pullman is August’s sister, who has gotten used to August being the center of attention. Jack is August’s friend at Beecher Prep. Julian is the antagonist of the novel, who bullies August relentlessly. Summer is August’s friend who sits with him at lunch.

Miranda is Via’s former best friend, who lies about having a deformed brother. Justin is Via’s boyfriend, who plays the male lead in the school play. Mr. Tushman is the principal of Beecher Prep.

ANALYSIS

Each of the eight parts that make up the novel is told from a specific character’s perspective, which allows August Pullman’s story to slowly unfold through the eyes of different primary and secondary characters. Each individual has their own personal challenges and hopes, yet every chapter serves to progress Auggie’s story as well. In choosing to write from a variety of perspectives, Palacio prompts readers to practice empathy by revealing the inner world of each character. This choice of plot structure also demonstrates a high level of respect and attentiveness to young readers, meeting them socially where they are likely to be around middle school age. That is one reason for the book’s enduring popularity.

Wonder has been celebrated as an anti-bullying text for its messages of acceptance of others and victory through kindness. Auggie is rewarded in the end by the acceptance of his fellow classmates, beyond the friends he made initially. With a new nickname and a position in the school’s social hierarchy, he is for the first time truly part of a peer community.

Wonder’s thematic concentration on kindness is supported by recurring motifs of friendship, social development, family, acceptance, and coming of age. Like the protagonists of many other coming-of-age novels, Auggie goes through a series of dramatic changes over the course of the book.

Within the shifting points of view, Palacio chose to write Wonder using clear, uncomplicated language. This straightforward approach, combined with the compelling story itself, is another reason for the novel’s appeal. Each of the characters has a distinctive voice.

THE "LITTLE" TEAM

GIORGIO SAITTA

THANK YOU