Grade 5 Mother / Daughter Book Club

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

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Why we chose this book

• My favourite children’s literature book of 2012

• Spread via ‘word of mouth’; Twitter / Blogs / Facebook, rather than a big publicity campaign

• Themes

• Message

• Disability / differences

US vs UK cover

R. J. Palaccio

• Lives in NYC

• Lives with husband, two sons and two dogs

• Art director / graphic designer

• Chance encounter at an ice-cream parlour gave her the idea for Wonder

Discussion

• Auggie

• Themes

• Book: structure / layout / precepts etc

Auggie

• How would you describe Auggie in the first few chapters of the book? How does he change as the novel progresses?

• Star Wars is one of Auggie’s passions. Why do you think this is?

Characters

• Which characters do you think showed bravery?

• Who was your favourite character, and why?

Themes

1. Family relationships

2. Friendship

3. Bullying

4. Betrayal

5. Overcoming challenges

1. Family relationships

• Discuss Auggie’s relationship with each of his family members.

• What do you think of Via as a character? Do you empathise with her?

• Many reviewers have criticised Daisy’s death. Was it necessary for Auggie’s dog to die? Why did R.J. Palaccio add this event to the story?

2. Friendship

• What are the characteristics of a good friend? Do Auggie’s friends have these qualities? Does Auggie?

• In the chapter composed of emails and messages, Mrs Albans (Julian’s mom) suggests that asking ‘ordinary children’ to befriend Auggie places a burden on them. Do you agree with this statement?

3. Bullying

• How does Auggie know the first time he meets Julian that he will be a bully?

• What prompts the grade seven students to attack and bully Auggie?

• What is Auggie’s response to the bullying throughout the book?

4. Betrayal

• Auggie and Jack are friends, so why does Jack betray Auggie by talking about him behind his back?

• Via also feels betrayed. Why? What is her response?

• How do Auggie and Via resolve their individual conflicts?

5. Overcoming challenges

• Auggie’s attendance at Beecher Prep creates challenges for teachers / students / parents. What are these challenges, and how are they overcome?

• Does Auggie hurt or help the situation?

• What lessons are learned because of Auggie’s attendance at the school?

• In Mr. Tushman’s speech, he states that one ‘must always be kinder than necessary’. How does being kind help someone overcome challenges?

Thinking about the book…

• Wonder is told from many different perspectives. Did you like this? Was it effective?

• Many people thought this book should be an award winner. Do you agree?

Mr. Browne’s precepts

• Your deeds are your monuments.

• Fortune favours the bold.

• It is better to know some of the questions than all of the answers.

• Kind words do not cost much. Yet they accomplish much.

• Just follow the day and reach for the sun!

Thanks for coming!

• Discussion slides will be posted on Clemnet today, and look out for a round-up in Friday’s enews!

• Also, check out the SCS Reads blog:

http://tinyurl.com/scsreads