Isn't it amazing how children can teach us so much by simply telling the truth? Many children state their opinions matter-of-factly, and they often find it difficult to hide their feelings. And isn't it funny how their feelings aren't all that different from our own? Think about it. Kids cry when they lose a friend. They cry when people make fun of them. They even cry when they know people love them. Don't we, as young adults and adults, have similar feelings?
In Wonder, by R. J. Palacio, we meet a boy named August Pullman. He's a kid who laughs and cries. He loves his family and his dog. He's a major Star Wars fan, and he even laughs at jokes. August is a kid who feels the same feelings we do. He's just like every other kid, and he's just like every other human. Yet, just like every other person, August has a trial in life. He has a noticeable facial difference, which follows him wherever he goes.
When I first started reading Wonder, I couldn't help but remember a quote a friend once told me: "Everyone is either in a crisis, heading out of a crisis, or heading into a crisis." So, we all have problems in life--problems that scare or sadden us--problems that cause despair, grief, and even anger. In this sense, we can all relate to Auggie. However, our problems aren't always noticeable, and most of the time, they don't last forever. But for Auggie, his major trial in life is extremely noticeable, and it is a direct part of his individuality. Isn't it sad how a person's individuality can be considered a trial?
Yet, R.J. Palacio does an excellent job observing this detail, especially through the eyes of middle school students. In elementary school, kids are taught to love and accept everyone, despite differences. However, middle school students are often caught in the "middle" between how they were taught to treat each other, and how the world often treats others labeled as "different." Poor Auggie just happens to be the one kid who is "different."
"...I feel ordinary. Inside. But I know ordinary kids don't make other ordinary kids run away screaming on playgrounds. I know ordinary kids don't get stared at wherever they go." Page 3
Like I said, though, its funny how we can all relate to August. Many of us have been laughed at. Many of us have experienced the horrible lunch room scene, unsure of where to sit. Many of us have been the "new kid." So maybe August is not so different after all. Maybe we all experience the same feelings, but in different ways.
When I first started reading Wonder, I couldn't help but remember a quote a friend once told me: "Everyone is either in a crisis, heading out of a crisis, or heading into a crisis." So, we all have problems in life--problems that scare or sadden us--problems that cause despair, grief, and even anger. In this sense, we can all relate to Auggie. However, our problems aren't always noticeable, and most of the time, they don't last forever. But for Auggie, his major trial in life is extremely noticeable, and it is a direct part of his individuality. Isn't it sad how a person's individuality can be considered a trial?
Yet, R.J. Palacio does an excellent job observing this detail, especially through the eyes of middle school students. In elementary school, kids are taught to love and accept everyone, despite differences. However, middle school students are often caught in the "middle" between how they were taught to treat each other, and how the world often treats others labeled as "different." Poor Auggie just happens to be the one kid who is "different."
"...I feel ordinary. Inside. But I know ordinary kids don't make other ordinary kids run away screaming on playgrounds. I know ordinary kids don't get stared at wherever they go." Page 3
Like I said, though, its funny how we can all relate to August. Many of us have been laughed at. Many of us have experienced the horrible lunch room scene, unsure of where to sit. Many of us have been the "new kid." So maybe August is not so different after all. Maybe we all experience the same feelings, but in different ways.
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