Wonder Literary Essay 1/28/15

Literary Essay: Grade 6
Writing Unit 2

Wonder, is a novel written by RJ Palacio. It is a story of a 5th grade boy just like any other boy, but there is one thing about this boy that is different. Auggie has a facial difference, which makes him a lot different from the other kids in the school. In Wonder Auggie must learn how he can change. In order to get through 5th grade he must find himself, and discover who he really is. 

Throughout the story Auggie starts to learn more about himself and what he is about. He learns different things about himself that he never knew. For example at the end of the book when Auggie is talking to the Middle School Director Mr.Tushman he notices a picture he drew of himself at the beginning of the year. It was his self portrait as a duck. The author writes "Is it safe to assume that is was because of the...um, the duckling that turns into a swan?" Auggie responds to Mr. Tushmans comment with "No, I just think I look like a duck." He relizes that maybe Mr. Tushman is right. Maybe when he grows p he will be the swan, he will be normal.

Also in the story Auggie and his friends go on a trip to 5th grade camp. At camp, one of the nights he spends there is movie night. Towards the end of the night Auggie and his friend Jack Will go into the woods to go to the bathroom when they run into some 7th graders. The 7th graders start making fun of Auggie when suddlenly Henry, Miles, and Amos all show up out of no where. These boys start to defend Auggie. They start a fight and then in a panick the boys run away with Auggie at there side. The author then writes "Amos looked at me and nodded "It was cool how you stood your ground, little dude" he said high-fiving me." This shows how like Auggie did at the end of the book the boys change. They are more nice to Auggie, and they feel more comfortable around him.

By the end of the story there is a example of changes in Auggies dad, and family. When Auggie and his dad are sitting in the car waiting for Auggie's graduation ceremony to start, Auggie's dad becomes more open and expressive towards Auggie. Him and his dad talk about how his dad does not want Auggie to cover up his fave and how he loves seeing it. Auggie sees a change in his dad and it makes him change even more. At this part in the book the author writes ""Auggie, I couldn't stand seeing you wear that thing cover your face anymore," he said clumsly....." Auggie relizes that even though he does not like his face, other people do. And there is no point in hiding from the world if the world does not hide from you back.

In conclusion, Wonder by R.J Palacio is a book the represents finding yourself and discovering who you really are. We see this through his friends, family, and teachers. When I first started school I had know idea what reading even was! But, when I learned how to read I got really good at it and used that to read Wonder. Through reading Wonder I learned that always staying the same, and never trying something knew is like being locked in a box for your entire life. It is impossible.