Wonder

Wonder

by

R. J. Palacio

Teachers and parents! Our Teacher Edition on Wonder makes teaching easy.
Summary
Analysis
The next day at lunch, Summer pulls out a piece of paper with a list of who's on Jack's side, who's on Julian's side, and who's neutral. She explains that Charlotte made it for her. She's happy that the two Maxes are on Jack's side and mentions that Charlotte likes Jack. Jack says that he can't even ask Charlotte out now that people are acting like he has the Plague. When Jack looks ashamed for bringing up the Plague, August says he already knew about it but didn't know what kids were calling it.
Making the lists for Summer was another nice thing of Charlotte to do, but it once again shows that she's not willing to stand up to Julian's bullying herself. The list also creates even more rigid divisions between kids of different popularity levels, which reinforces the status quo and doesn't offer anyone opportunities to come up with a better system.
Themes
The Difficulty of Kindness Theme Icon
Status and Bullying Theme Icon
Summer declares that they're too young to be dating anyway. August agrees but jokes that it's a shame with all the "babes" throwing themselves at him. Jack sprays milk out of his nose laughing.
August's ability to joke about the situation shows that he's at least making attempts to not take it too seriously or let it affect him too much—a more mature standpoint.
Themes
Independence and Growing Up Theme Icon
Status and Bullying Theme Icon