Wonder by R. J. Palacio — English Worksheet for 12-Year-Olds (Reading & Activities)

Instructions

Read each section carefully and answer the questions based on your reading of the novel Wonder by R.J. Palacio. Think about the characters, their feelings, and the important messages in the story.

Part 1: Who's Who?

Match the character on the left with the correct description on the right. Write the letter of the correct description in the space provided.

• 1. _____ August (Auggie)
• 2. _____ Via
• 3. _____ Jack Will
• 4. _____ Summer
• 5. _____ Julian
• 6. _____ Mr. Tushman

A. The director of Beecher Prep who is very kind to Auggie.
B. The main antagonist who is unkind to Auggie throughout the year.
C. The protagonist of the story, who is starting middle school for the first time.
D. Auggie's protective older sister who is dealing with her own challenges.
E. A kind girl who sits with Auggie at lunch on the first day of school.
F. A boy who is asked to befriend Auggie and struggles with peer pressure.

Part 2: Understanding Precepts

In the book, Auggie's English teacher, Mr. Browne, introduces "precepts," which are rules about really important things. His first precept is: "When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind."

1. In your own words, what do you think this precept means?
2. Describe a moment in the book where a character chose to be kind instead of being "right" or popular.
3. Write your own personal precept—a short rule or motto you think is important to live by.

Part 3: Point of View

Wonder is not told entirely from Auggie's perspective. The narration shifts between different characters like Via, Jack, and Summer.

1. Why do you think the author, R.J. Palacio, chose to include chapters from other characters' points of view?
2. How did reading from Jack Will's perspective help you understand why he said mean things about Auggie on Halloween?

Part 4: Digging Deeper

Answer the following questions in complete sentences.

1. The students at Beecher Prep give Auggie a standing ovation at the graduation ceremony. What does this event show about how much he and the other students have changed over the school year?
2. Friendship is a major theme in the book. Besides Auggie, which character do you think was the best friend? Explain your answer with an example from the story.

Part 5: Vocabulary Corner

Use your knowledge of the book and the context to write a sentence for each of the following vocabulary words.

1. Anomaly: Something that is different from what is standard, normal, or expected.
   Sentence:
2. Hindsight: Understanding a situation or event only after it has happened.
   Sentence:
3. Precept: A general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought.
   Sentence:

Answer Key

Part 1: Who's Who?

1. C
2. D
3. F
4. E
5. B
6. A

Part 2: Understanding Precepts

1. (Answers will vary) It means that showing compassion and being good to someone is more important than proving a point or winning an argument.
2. (Answers will vary) A good example is when Summer chooses to sit with Auggie at lunch, even though her friends make fun of her for it. Another is when Jack defends Auggie against Julian and the boys from the other school at the nature retreat.
3. (Answers will vary) Students should write a positive, guiding principle (e.g., "Always try to see the good in people," or "Don't be afraid to try new things.").

Part 3: Point of View

1. (Answers will vary) Including other perspectives shows that everyone is fighting their own battle. It helps the reader understand that Auggie's story affects everyone around him and that characters like Via and Jack have their own struggles and feelings. It makes the story feel more complete and fair.
2. (Answers will vary) Reading from Jack's perspective reveals that he was under pressure from Julian and other popular kids. He didn't truly mean what he said and felt terrible about it afterward. It shows his internal conflict and makes him a more sympathetic character.

Part 4: Digging Deeper

1. (Answers will vary) The standing ovation symbolizes their complete acceptance of Auggie. At the beginning of the year, they judged him by his appearance and avoided him. By the end, they have gotten to know him as a person—a good friend who is brave and kind. They are celebrating him for who he is on the inside, showing they have learned to look past his face.
2. (Answers will vary)
   • Summer: She was a good friend from the beginning, without being asked. She was kind to Auggie simply because she wanted to be and didn't care what others thought.
   • Jack Will: Although he made a big mistake, he felt genuinely sorry and worked hard to earn back Auggie's trust. He later defended Auggie physically and stood up to Julian, proving his loyalty.

Part 5: Vocabulary Corner

(Sentences will vary but should demonstrate understanding of the word's meaning.)

1. Anomaly: The scientist was studying the strange anomaly in the data.
2. Hindsight: In hindsight, I realize I shouldn't have waited until the last minute to do my homework.
3. Precept: A main precept of our school is to treat everyone with respect.