Wonder Novel: Insights and Analysis
Wonder: Discussion Questions and Answers
19. Known (p.252): Auggie says everyone at this age is “known” for something. What do you think you are known for? Are you happy with this? Why (not)?
I like to make people laugh and be nice to my friends. I am happy when I see that the people I have by my side are also happy.
20. Packing (p.253): How does Auggie’s mom mean he’s grown up this year?
Because he’s been able to adapt to a normal school after many years being homeschooled, and he is also trying to “change his image a bit” so he has come to the age when what your peers think start to be more important.
21. Daybreak (p.256): Do you think Auggie really saw Daisy’s ghost? Explain. Why do you think Auggie left Baboo behind for his mom?
I think he didn’t, he just saw a shadow that looked like her, but it helped him to feel more strong and confident about the trip.
I think he left Baboo to prove her that he’d be fine, and he also wrote in his note that her mum could cuddle with Baboo if she missed Auggie.
22. Day One (p.257): How did Auggie’s first day go?
Auggie was very happy to discover that Julian wasn’t going to the trip because that meant he could relax and not worry about anything. It was a wonderful day for him: They hiked in the Woods, they got wet because of rain, they played games in the afternoon and, since it stopped raining, they could have a real campfire cookout. He even fell asleep without having to read.
23. The Fairgrounds (p.259): Things are going great for Auggie on the retreat with his classmates. Do you think that there may be any problems now that other schools start to arrive? Why?
Maybe, because those kids are not used to Auggie’s appearance and they could be mean to him.
24. Be Kind to Nature (p.261): Do you foresee a problem with the rude kids that are booing and throwing cans? What do you think might happen?
Yes because you have to respect the natural spaces and be aware of how important it is to keep the planet clean.
25. The Woods Are Alive (p.263): Why do you think the Woods smelled like firecrackers?
Maybe there were kids in the Woods lighting them or smoking.
26. Alien (p. 265): Why do you think Amos, Miles and Henry came back to help Jack and Auggie?
Because they are from the same school, they were tired of the “war” and they saw it was unfair that big guys were insulting Auggie. In addition, when they saw this bullying situation from outside, they probably realised how unfair there were being to Auggie.
27. Voices In The Dark (p.268): Why do you think it was the loss of the hearing aids that made Auggie cry? Do you think Amos, Miles and Henry would have done what they did if Julian had been on the trip? Why (not)?
Because this was the last straw that broke the camel’s back. He had been insulted and pushed, but now he had also lost the hearing aids, which he knew were really expensive and he probably felt helpless.
I think they would have probably done it because we can see how they’re changed their attitude towards Auggie.
28. The Emperor’s Guard (p.271): How do you think it feels to Auggie to have his own “emperor’s guard”?
It made him feel safe and it made him feel that he had friends whom he could trust. Maybe it also made him feel vulnerable because he was aware that he needed protection.
29. Sleep (p.273): Why do you think Auggie chooses not to tell Mr. Tushman and the camp director what the troublemaker looked like? Do you agree with Auggie’s decisión? Why (not)?
I think he doesn’t tell them because he wants to be independent and be able to face his own problems, and also because many times children are embarrassed of reporting bullying. I don’t agree with his decision because the guys who did that to him deserved a punishment.
30. Aftermath (p.275): Do you think the experience at the nature retreat will change things with the “war” at school? Why (not)?
I think it will, for sure. When they got off the bus to go back home, many kids were greeting Auggie because they no longer rejected him. Probably, what happened in the woods made them reflect and realise how mean they were being to him.