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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
This book makes you understand Julian a lot better so you see why he did things in Wonder. Proof that there’s always more to the story.
This was such a fantastic follow up to "Wonder"!! You never think about the bully's side. I'm not justifying Julian's behavior (nor did the book), but this book exceeded my expectations. I would definitely recommend reading this if you read the first book.
This was amazing. It was so perfect. I want to use the grandmother's story for my lower readers in my Holocaust unit. I've been wanting to read this little chapter forever and I'm so glad that I finally did.
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I loved Wonder and recommended it to several friends and their children. I was happy to have that book stand on its own, but I was curious about this "chapter/novella". While reading Wonder, I can't say that I was especially drawn to Julian or curious, so the fact that this book exists was in an of itself interesting to me. The thought of giving "voice" to a bully or trying to create empathy is a creative piece of writing from concept to final product so I decided I had to read this!
First off, I really enjoy Palacio's style (I'm an adult) and this book did not disappoint. The writing style and tone were the same as Wonder. There was at least a span of a year in between reading these two books, so I can't speak to the tracking of events or weather Julian's story is consistent with his actions and character in the book. I did find the grandmother's story compelling, and I appreciate the continued message of choosing kindness. I also like the fact that Julian has his own path to choosing kindness and understanding what true remorse is. In my opinion it took him too long to get there, but in reality it typically takes people too long to feel empathy and remorseful.
Overall this is a good read, and continues to share an important message - that a disability doesn't define us, and that bullying is never ok.
First off, I really enjoy Palacio's style (I'm an adult) and this book did not disappoint. The writing style and tone were the same as Wonder. There was at least a span of a year in between reading these two books, so I can't speak to the tracking of events or weather Julian's story is consistent with his actions and character in the book. I did find the grandmother's story compelling, and I appreciate the continued message of choosing kindness. I also like the fact that Julian has his own path to choosing kindness and understanding what true remorse is. In my opinion it took him too long to get there, but in reality it typically takes people too long to feel empathy and remorseful.
Overall this is a good read, and continues to share an important message - that a disability doesn't define us, and that bullying is never ok.
If you want more Wonder, this will definitely make you cringe, smile, and cry.
Aww now we know whats behind julians bad behavior. I think its sad , i forgive u julian!
What a lovely story of redemption and the importance of being kind.
I think I liked this book more than the original Wonder story!
Overall while it was a great novella. I thought it was a wonderful companion to Wonder that actually adds to the story in a way that intertwines perfectly.
I thought it showed a lot of character growth that we didn't get to see of Julian in Wonder. At first I'll admit I wasn't a huge fan of Julian and I didn't even think it was justified while reading his thoughts but then I realized this is an eleven year old kid and I can't be too hard on him. But then it led me to think about how we show kids morality. I have a younger brother and I know for a fact I wouldn't justify his actions like Julian's mother did; but I do highly doubt that I would properly emphasize how wrong it is to judge and bully someone you barely know.
What really touched me though was his Grandmothers story about the first Julian. It was quite heartbreaking and it was just a treat to read. I literally felt like Julian who was completely enthralled in the story his grandmother was telling him.
When Julian realized how terrible he was to Auggie with no justification I literally felt like it was the triumph that Julian needed to realize that he should always choose kind.
I thought it showed a lot of character growth that we didn't get to see of Julian in Wonder. At first I'll admit I wasn't a huge fan of Julian and I didn't even think it was justified while reading his thoughts but then I realized this is an eleven year old kid and I can't be too hard on him. But then it led me to think about how we show kids morality. I have a younger brother and I know for a fact I wouldn't justify his actions like Julian's mother did; but I do highly doubt that I would properly emphasize how wrong it is to judge and bully someone you barely know.
What really touched me though was his Grandmothers story about the first Julian. It was quite heartbreaking and it was just a treat to read. I literally felt like Julian who was completely enthralled in the story his grandmother was telling him.
When Julian realized how terrible he was to Auggie with no justification I literally felt like it was the triumph that Julian needed to realize that he should always choose kind.