Wonder / R.J. Palacio
The main character of the story 《Wonder》 is a boy named August who has a unique face. August is a little scared because it's his first time going to school, but he decides to be brave and meet friends and learn about the world. At first, his face makes his friends surprised and avoid him, but they gradually open their hearts to August's kind heart and courageous attitude.
August bravely overcomes difficult situations and spends a special school life laughing and crying with his friends. This story tells us that even if our appearances are a little different, we are all equally precious and special. And it makes us realize that true beauty is in our hearts.

Study Guide: Wonder by R.J. Palacio
I. Summary of Wonder
The story Wonder centers on August, a boy with a unique facial appearance, as he navigates his first experience attending school. Initially, August faces fear and avoidance from his peers due to his distinctive face. However, through his kind heart and courageous attitude, August gradually wins over his classmates. The narrative highlights August's resilience in overcoming challenges, leading to a special school life filled with shared laughter and tears with his friends. The core message emphasizes the inherent preciousness and specialness of all individuals, regardless of appearance, asserting that true beauty resides within the heart. The story culminates with August receiving a standing ovation at his middle school graduation, symbolizing his triumph over adversity and the acceptance he has achieved, surrounded by his supportive friends and family.
II. Quiz
Instructions: Answer each question in 2-3 sentences.
- Who is the main character of the story Wonder? What is unique about him?
- What is August's initial feeling about going to school for the first time? Why does he feel this way?
- How do August's friends initially react to his face?
- What qualities does August possess that help him overcome the initial negative reactions from his peers?
- What kind of school life does August experience as the story progresses?
- What is the primary message the story Wonder conveys about appearance?
- Where does the story suggest true beauty can be found?
- What event symbolizes August's triumph over adversity and the acceptance he finds?
- Who surrounds August at his middle school graduation, and what does this signify?
- What broader lesson does August's journey offer to readers?
III. Quiz Answer Key
- The main character of Wonder is a boy named August. He is unique because he has a distinctive facial appearance, which is a central aspect of his identity in the story.
- August is initially a little scared about going to school for the first time. This fear stems from his unique face and the anticipation of how others might react to it in a new environment.
- Initially, August's face makes his friends surprised and causes them to avoid him. They are unaccustomed to his appearance and react with apprehension.
- August's kind heart and courageous attitude help him overcome the initial negative reactions. These internal qualities allow him to connect with others beyond his appearance.
- As the story progresses, August bravely overcomes difficult situations and spends a special school life. This life is marked by laughter and crying, shared experiences with his friends.
- The primary message of Wonder is that even if our appearances are a little different, we are all equally precious and special. It challenges the notion that external looks define a person's worth.
- The story suggests that true beauty is found in our hearts. It emphasizes internal qualities like kindness and courage over external physical attributes.
- August receiving a standing ovation at his middle school graduation symbolizes his triumph over adversity and the acceptance he finds. This public recognition marks a significant moment of validation for him.
- August is surrounded by his supportive friends and family at his graduation. This signifies the strong network of love and acceptance he has built, reinforcing the idea that he has found his place.
- August's journey offers the broader lesson that courage, kindness, and inner beauty are powerful forces that can help individuals overcome challenges and find acceptance, regardless of external differences.
IV. Essay Format Questions (No Answers Provided)
- Discuss how August's initial experiences at school reflect societal reactions to physical differences, and how the story challenges these initial reactions.
- Analyze the role of "true beauty" in Wonder, contrasting it with conventional notions of beauty. Provide examples from the text to support your analysis.
- Explore the theme of courage in Wonder, focusing on August's bravery and how it influences the characters around him.
- How does the narrative structure of Wonder (though not explicitly detailed in the excerpt, inferring from the summary) contribute to its message about acceptance and empathy?
- Examine the significance of the middle school graduation scene for August. What does this event represent in his overall journey, and why is it a powerful conclusion to his story?
V. Glossary of Key Terms
- August: The main character of the story Wonder, a boy with a unique facial appearance.
- Unique Face: A distinctive facial appearance that sets August apart from others and is a central element of the story's conflict and themes.
- Courageous Attitude: The brave and determined mindset August adopts to face the challenges of school and social interactions.
- Kind Heart: August's gentle and compassionate nature, which helps him connect with others despite their initial reactions to his appearance.
- Adversity: Difficulties or misfortune that August faces, particularly related to his unique appearance and his first experiences at school.
- Acceptance: The state of being acknowledged and embraced by others, which August gradually achieves throughout the story.
- True Beauty: The concept emphasized in the story that inner qualities like kindness and courage are more valuable than outward physical appearance.
- Standing Ovation: A form of applause where the audience stands up, symbolizing profound respect and recognition, given to August at his graduation.
- Middle School Graduation: The culminating event in the story, where August receives recognition for his journey and personal growth.
- Precious and Special: Terms used to describe the inherent worth of all individuals, regardless of their appearance, a core message of the story.
( N.B. 위 콘텐츠는 Google AI Studio 로 제작한 것입니다 )