mdbc wonder
TRANSCRIPT
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