Wonder (Pages 161-end)

"I didn't destroy a Death Star or anything like that, but I did just get through the fifth grade. And that's not easy, even if you're not me."

-August (Page 308)

The second half of Wonder by R.J. Palacio initially continues with Jack's perspective as he tries to figure out why August is upset with him. When he finally decodes Summer's clue, he feels horrible. He is quickly given an opportunity to show his true colors when he punches Julian for taunting August. Although Jack gets suspended, Mr. Tushman ultimately understands that he had noble reasons for his actionsWe also learn that Julian is influenced by the words and actions of his mother, Melissa. She criticizes Mr. Tushman and Beecher Prep for allowing August to attend. Julian instigates a "war" among the fifth graders as he tries to turn people against Jack so that Jack will stop hanging out with Auggie.

The next section is told from the perspective of Justin, Via's new boyfriend. Justin is the first outsider who really interacts with August's family, as he takes the time to get to know Via's parents and brother. He encourages Via to try out for the school play, Our Town, even though he ends up cast as the romantic lead opposite Miranda. Justin also learns about the conflict Jack and Auggie are facing at school and he stands up for Jack when Julian, Henry, and Miles try to mess with him.

I'm going to hide the rest of the summary below because of spoilers!

Next, the perspective shifts back to August as he and Jack work on their project for the science fair. Things at school gradually improve as most other students tire of the "war" and cease playing the game "the plague." August receives hearing aids, which he fears will make him a target of bullying again. However, the hearing aids open up a world of new sounds for Auggie and are mostly ignored by his peers.

August and Via come into conflict, along with their parents, when he learns that Via didn't tell them about the school play because she didn't want him to embarrass her in front of her peers. The conflict is cut short when the family's dog, Daisy, suddenly becomes ill and is put to sleep. Via decides to invite the family to the play. At the beginning of the performance, they are shocked to see Via acting in the lead role instead of Miranda. She does a spectacular performance and earns a standing ovation. August is forced to confront the idea that he is not actually the center of the universe.

We then learn more about the events of the story from Miranda's viewpoint. She has been a minor character up to this point, but her perspective illustrates how all people are fighting different battles. She is jealous of Via's supportive family, which leads her to lie about her own home life while away at camp. Ironically, she adopts Via's story as her own, which makes her more popular. We also learn that Miranda faked being sick so that Via's family could see her act in the lead role. The two girls are able to reconcile, which makes Miranda happier than any previous popularity ever had.

The story concludes with August's perspective again. He joins his classmates on an overnight nature retreat. At first, things are going great, until he is confronted by some older students from another school. Miles, Henry, and Amos come to his aid and the boys end up in a physical conflict. Afterward, August gains respect from his peers for standing his ground during the fight.

Finally, we have the fifth grade graduation. After honor roll is announced and other academic awards given out, Mr. Tushman awards August the Henry Ward Beecher medal for his exceptional courage, kindness, and friendship. August receives his own standing ovation and realizes that, for the first time, everyone wants to be closer to him.

Style Choices

In addition to using different perspectives for the first person narrative, Palacio also plays around with the format of her writing. This add even more depth and voice to the characters. For example, she uses letters, email, and text messages to show how Jack and August reconcile their relationship, as well as introducing Melissa as another minor antagonist. It also allowed characters such as Melissa and Mr. Tushman to speak in first person without dedicating an entire section to them.

Also, Justin's section is written in the way that one might expect him to write: very formally and with no capitalization. It adds another layer to characterization without having to describe anything at all. Essentially, she shows us more about the character instead of telling us.

These different style choices give students the opportunity to expand their own writing. One activity could be to have them rewrite one of their own pieces with letters, emails, text messages, or even social media. They could also play around with different conventions to show how their character would actually write.

Sources

Palacio, R. J. (2012, February 14). Wonder. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf.