7th Grade Summer Reading Wonder by R.J. Palacio

7th Grade Summer Reading
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Purpose: This summer, you will be practicing your reading skills using the book, Wonder.
This will help you to keep your reading skills sharp and prepare you for the rigor of the
8th grade. Additionally, you will be required to do deep thinking about some of the
themes in Wonder in preparation for a socratic seminar during the first week of school!
Due: August 14th, 2015
Novel: Wonder by R.J. Palacio (AR Points – 11.0) * You can start the year strong in AR points!
Assignment
The purpose of the Summer Reading Assignment is to help you make thematic connections
about the important events in protagonist (Auggie’s) life. Your job is to choose only 3 of the
5 questions to answer in an open-ended response. Each question will connect to major
developments in how Auggie’s condition affects his life and the people who surround him.
Choose 3 of the questions below to answer as an open ended response. Be sure your answers
have evidence, these questions will be used for Socratic Seminar to further the discussion
about the themes in the novel.
Family
Challenges
Bullying
Betrayal
Friendships
Describe Auggie’s relationship with each of his family members. How do each of them
react to his deformities?
What are some of the challenges that arise for teachers, students, parents and principal
from Auggie’s attendance at Beecher Prep? How does each group overcome the
challenges?
How does Auggie know the first time he meets Julian that he will be a bully? In what ways
does Julian bully Auggie?
Why does Jack betray Auggie by talking badly behind his back? How does Auggie feel
when he hears what Jack has said?
Discuss the characteristics and qualities of a good friend. Which of Auggie’s friends
demonstrates these qualities.
Example: What characteristics of a good friend does Auggie possess?
In Wonder, Auggie is loyal and forgiving, which are qualities of a good friend. This is demonstrated in the quote, “I am
sorry for what I said Auggie, can you forgive me?”This quote shows how despite Jack being mean and speaking badly
about him, Auggie still managed to remain loyal his friendship with Jack. This quote also shows how forgiving Auggie is
toward people who may have wronged him. His ability to forgive others and remain loyal despite the treatment they have
given him, shows that he possesses the qualities of a good friend.
 I have a topic sentence that answers the question.
 I have text evidence that supports my topic sentence.
 I put quotation marks around my text evidence, along with the page number.
 I have commentary that explains HOW my text evidence supports my topic sentence.
 My paragraph is at least FOUR sentences long.
Question 1
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
 I have a topic sentence that answers the question.
 I have text evidence that supports my topic sentence.
 I put quotation marks around my text evidence, along with the page number.
 I have commentary that explains HOW my text evidence supports my topic sentence.
 My paragraph is at least FOUR sentences long.
Question 2
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
 I have a topic sentence that answers the question.
 I have text evidence that supports my topic sentence.
 I put quotation marks around my text evidence, along with the page number.
 I have commentary that explains HOW my text evidence supports my topic sentence.
 My paragraph is at least FOUR sentences long.
Question 3
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
 I have a topic sentence that answers the question.
 I have text evidence that supports my topic sentence.
 I put quotation marks around my text evidence, along with the page number.
 I have commentary that explains HOW my text evidence supports my topic sentence.
 My paragraph is at least FOUR sentences long.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
I hope you have enjoyed reading Wonder, this book really embodies what it means to accept yourself and others. Auggie,
defies the odds by not allowing his condition to prevent him from being a kind and courageous person to others around him.
As you enter the next school year, remember the lessons that Wonder taught us and carry those with you throughout your
journey in 7th grade. We look forward to reading your responses and hearing you thoughts on how this novel has impacted
your life.
“Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human
beings, and propel us, on occasion, to greatness.” —Mr. Tushman