Wonder - 2024 Paraeducator Book Study

Wonder 

Author: R.J. Palacio 

Facilitated by: Denise Shugarts 

Limited to 20 participants 

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Millions of people have fallen in love with Auggie Pullman, an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face—who shows us that kindness brings us together no matter how far apart we are.This book inspired the Choose Kind movement, a major motion picture, and the critically acclaimed graphic novel White Bird.

August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. Beginning from Auggie’s point of view and expanding to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others, the perspectives converge to form a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance. In a world where bullying among young people is an epidemic, this is a refreshing new narrative full of heart and hope.

R.J. Palacio has called her debut novel “a meditation on kindness” —indeed, every reader will come away with a greater appreciation for the simple courage of friendship. Join Denise on this inspiring journey where we will explore the power of connection in a community.

Format: We will be using a hybrid model for this book study and will only have 2 zoom sessions. The remainder of your time will be spent individually reading the book and logging questions into an online format.

Book Study Meeting Dates: 

• May 8, 2024: ZOOM Meeting 3:15-4:15 pm

• Week of May 8th-15th: Independent Work

• Week of May 15th-22nd: Independent Work

• May 29, 2024: ZOOM Meeting 3:15-4:15 pm

How It Works:

• Check out the book from the library or purchase it.

• Check your email for the ZOOM link and Syllabus (one week prior to the meeting) • Join ZOOM using the link provided

• Read the book as outlined and shared during our first organizational meeting • Get ready to share your thoughts and ideas as we journey through the book together in a flexible Zoom (or Google doc format)

• If you are not present for a ZOOM meeting, you will be required to provide a written summary of the chapters covered in order to receive your hours

• A certificate with your 15 credit hours will be issued upon completion of the book study

2024 Paraeducator Book Study Information 

**15 professional development hours will be awarded for participation in a book study or podcast series. A certificate of completion will be provided.

NOTE: The hours will be awarded for the 2023/2024 school year OR the 2024/2025 school year.