Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. School and friendships sometimes become difficult as children enter their middle school years. Why do you think that is? 

Teaching Suggestion: While Wonder is about Auggie’s experience, it also shows how Via, Miranda, Jack, and even Summer, have to navigate difficult social dynamics. Help students began thinking about the middle school experience generally by drawing upon or sharing the resources below.  

• This feature article from the Washington Post discusses why middle school is challenging and offers suggestions for school communities.
• This essay on the parenting website Verywell Family explores some of the challenges that children face during adolescence. Students can discuss whether or not they feel these pressures or see them in their community.

2. Have you ever met or do you know someone with a facial difference or other physical difference? How are they treated by others?

Teaching Suggestion: The main character in Wonder has two genetic syndromes that cause facial changes requiring many plastic surgeries, as well as many other medical issues. One of the main conflicts in Wonder is how people treat Auggie because of his face.