Reading Metrics
Description
This book shows readers what it's like to live in Auggie's world - a world in which he feels like any other kid, but he's not always seen that way.
Quick Summary
If your family fell in love with the novel "Wonder," this picture book version is a wonderful way to share Auggie's story with younger kids. Palacio takes the core message that kindness means seeing past how someone looks and distills it into a simple, accessible story that even beginning readers can handle on their own. Kids follow Auggie as he goes about his day, from exploring his room to heading to school, and you feel his mix of confidence and the ache that comes when people stare or whisper. It's gentle and hopeful rather than heavy-handed, which is why it works so well for sensitive listeners or kids who might be navigating their own feelings about being "different." This would be a great match for children ages 5-8, especially those who might be reluctant readers since it's short and the artwork (by Palacio herself) does a lot of the storytelling work. If you want another take on acceptance and finding your place, "Each Kindness" by Jacqueline Woodson is a beautiful companion read that tackles the flip side of the same idea what happens when we choose not to see someone.