In third grade, I transferred from a public school to a private school. To this day, I can still remember biting back fear as I met my new classmates and the sick feeling inside that I wouldn’t measure up. You could see it in their half-smiles, side-glances and general lack of interest as we were first introduced. At the time, I was a “scholarship” kid. A “have-not” among “haves” which was apparent from the scuffs on my hand-me-down shoes to the two-sizes-too-big uniform shirt on loan from a neighbor.
I still will not profess to have a thorough understanding, but thanks to Social Moms for inviting me to read R.J. Palacio’s new book “Wonder” and create a sponsored post, I have caught a glimpse – one that has altered my perceptions and inspired me to spend time re-reading this book with my pre-teen and teenage sons.
Narrated from alternate points of views, the reader is led on a journey to discover the innermost thoughts, fears, triumphs, disappointments and hopes of Auggie, his classmates, his sister, and others. As a collective, the characters in “Wonder” explore the epidemic world of bullying in an honest and poignant story of empathy, compassion, and acceptance that has the power to change the way people think.
Reading “Wonder” transported me back to moments in my childhood, my teen years and even my adulthood. Throughout the journey, I couldn’t help but think of the challenges I currently face in helping to navigate my sons through a middle school world that is fraught with bullying pitfalls.
It encouraged me to share my experiences with them, along with the end result – I never did quite “fit in” with the children I attended elementary school with, but later I was able to accept and embrace the person I was and have become. That experience helped me respect and appreciate other people’s differences and to choose compassion and kindness, even when faced with adversity.
We are only a short way into reading the book as a family, but my children have already opened up more, sharing their stories and concerns with classmates, allowing us to openly discuss the ill effects of bullying and how to better handle situations we encounter when people are “different” from what we consider to be “ordinary.”
Being different doesn’t change who we are. How people react to our difference is a reflection of their persona, not ours. How we react is what we own and Auggie is heroic in his ability to overcome challenges we can hardly perceive. As we all are, Auggie was born to stand out, not to blend in.
Consider adding “Wonder” to your holidays. This inspiring book is an excellent family reader, a lovely gift for a child or adult who may be struggling with self-esteem issues, and a lovely, poignant reminder of what true spirit and compassion really are!
For more information or to purchase, visit http://bit.ly/1c7x1P9
I choose “kind” this holiday season, will you?
Join the national movement to Choose Kind inspired by P.J. Palacio’s book, “Wonder.” To find out how you can get involved, visit Choosekind.tumblr.com
This blog post is part of a paid SocialMoms and Wonder blogging program. The opinions and ideas expressed here are that of Rural Mom.
Sounds like a lovely book and you are right that our differences should not define us as different but by being special.
This sounds like an interesting book. Bullying is difficult at any age.
This sounds like a very moving book. It is hard enough to fit in regardless, I can only imagine how difficult it would be with a facial difference. Children can be cruel, and adults can be as well.
This book definitely touches on some serious topics which are important to address.