Thursday, April 30, 2015

May 2015 - Wonder by R.J. Palacio


PictureMeeting Details:  Thursday May 7, 7:30 p.m. at Karen's house
Discussion Questions
1.  Did you enjoy the book?  Why or why not?
2.  The line "Don't judge a boy by his face" appears on the back cover of the book, did this line give away anything about the story you were about to read?
3.  Throughout the book, Auggie describes the way that many people react to seeing his face for the first time: by immediately looking away.  Have you ever been in a situation where you have responded to seeing someone different?  Think also of the author's writing about being inspired to write this book after an experience at the ice cream parlour?  Having now read Wonder, how do you feel about this now?
4. Auggie's face is not fully described until quite far on in the story.  How close was the description to your own mental picture of Auggie?  Did you have a picture of his face in your mind while reading the book?  Did the description alter that picture?
5.  What are the characteristics of a good friend?  Which of Auggie's friends demonstrate these qualities?  How does Auggie help his friends see him as an ordinary kid?  How does Auggie's ability to be comfortable in his own skin make it easier for his friends and family to relate to him?
6.  Discuss how Auggies's attendance at Beecher Prep creates issues for students, parents, teachers and the principal.  How are the challenges overcome?  What role does Auggie play in either helping or hurting the situation.
7.  Quite often, kids that are different are bullied in some way? What is Auggie's response to the bullying?
8  How do Auggie and Via respond to the betrayal from their friends, how do they resolve their individual conflicts and cope with the pain of betrayal?
9.  What do you make of the statement that Mrs. Albans makes that Auggie is handicapped?
10.  Would you recommend this book?  Why or why not?

Menu- there were very few references to food in the book, but several times the scene is described in the lunch area of the school so I would suggest a cafeteria style lunch. Soup, salad, sandwiches, dessert.  Feel free to add to the list.


9 comments:

  1. I'll bring chicken noodle soup (and maybe some ice cream for dessert, depending on how my Thursday goes!)

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  2. I will bring pinwheels (a variation of a sandwich/wrap). I was also thinking of bringing a fruit salad but like Tessa, it depends on how my day goes.
    Erica

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  3. I'm coming! Just no idea what I'm bringing yet..

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  4. I will bring a watermelon arugula pecan salad.

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  5. When I search cafeteria desserts peanut butter bars come up a lot.... I will bring some of these too!

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  6. I hope it's okay -- I was thinking more along the lines of lunch box ideas -- I have been meaning to try a recipe for a homemade fruit roll ups, so I am going to give those a whirl, and likely something else. Will be a surprise :)

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  7. Grrr, why do I never receive notifications of these posts? I was wondering if there would be a meeting tomorrow, should have checked here sooner!

    I'll be coming, just haven't determined what food I'll bring yet...

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  8. I'm sorry but I will not be able to come tomorrow :( I've been really busy here with Ben being sick, funeral and our foster child exhausting me, that I have had NO time to read. I hope you have a good evening together! Amanda

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  9. I'm going to bring fruit salad!

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