While reading Wonder, I wondered: Why did the author, R.J. Palacio, exclude the perspective of Julian, the boy who “bullies” the main character Auggie Pullman? Auggie narrates his story of starting school for the first time, as a fifth grader, with a severe craniofacial abnormality. We also hear his story from the perspective of other young characters (friends, sibling, sibling’s friends) who care about him. Told in chapters of their own, their perspectives add sensitivity and movement. Why don’t we hear from the bully? Is there a backstory that explains his behavior without condoning it? Continue reading Light on Wonder’s Shadow (2 of 2)
Tag Archives: R.J. Palacio
WONDER, The Book (1/2)
Wonder, the New York Times #1 bestseller by R.J. Palacio, engages readers in the world of August Pullman, a fifth grader whose appearance tests the limits of “othering,” turning someone who is different into an “other.” Having home-schooled his whole life, Auggie enters school for his first time while his classmates face his craniofacial abnormality for their first time. Layers of bullying ravel and unravel revealing the potential within each of us for either escalating ill-will or good-will. Each layer ups the ante.