We're All Wonders
By Regan McMahon,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Boy who's different promotes kindness in fresh empathy tale.
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What's the Story?
In WE'RE ALL WONDERS, Auggie says, "I know I am not an ordinary kid," even though he does ordinary things like ride a bike, eat ice cream, and play ball. "I just don't look ordinary," says the boy who appears to have only one eye. He tells readers that kids sometimes point and stare at him, and he can hear them say mean things behind his back, and it hurts his feelings. When this happens, he puts on this space helmet and pretends to blast off into space with his dog. Looking down at our planet, he reflects, "The Earth is big enough for all kinds of people." Back on Earth, he suggests, "I can't change the way I look, but maybe, just maybe ... people can change the way they see."
Is It Any Good?
This simple, engaging, wise book is full of positive messages about respecting differences, being kind, and showing empathy -- all expressed with a light touch and presented in an attractive package. Author-illustrator R.J. Palacio's bright, cartoon-like art is a perfect compliment to the spare and direct text.
The book is never preachy and strikes just the right tone for its young audience. It could spark important discussions about bullying, treating other kids with respect, being sensitive to other people's feelings, and having empathy for their challenges.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how being different is viewed in We're All Wonders. How does Auggie feel when kids stare at him and talk about him? How does the art show that Auggie and his dog had their feelings hurt?
When Auggie's feelings are hurt, he puts on his space helmet and pretends to blast off into outer space. What do you do to feel better when someone hurts your feelings?
What do you think Auggie means when he says, "We're all wonders"?
Book Details
- Author: R.J. Palacio
- Illustrator: R.J. Palacio
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Book Characters , Friendship , Great Boy Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
- Publication date: March 28, 2017
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 4 - 8
- Number of pages: 32
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: July 13, 2017
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