Summer Book and Movie Club: Wonder by R. J. Palacio (9-12)
In this book and movie club, we will discuss the book and then the movie.
Mary Hanna Wilson
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(285)
Star Educator
What's included
2 live meetings
1 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursHomework
4+ hours per week. Be sure to read (or listen to) the entire book before our first book club meeting. Please bring your favorite quote to share with the class. This can be silly or serious. Students can also share a favorite character, moment, or event instead of a quote. I'll make sure to have all options on the table! Be sure to watch the movie before our second meeting!Class Experience
US Grade 4 - 6
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Let's Celebrate a Book and a Movie this summer!
Join me this summer for some relaxed, fun, and thought-provoking book and movie discussions. It is my hope that these discussions will foster a love of stories and lay the foundations for future literary analysis. Learners will be encouraged to share their ideas, thoughts, and conclusions about various aspects of the book and movie in a relaxed and encouraging atmosphere.
Our class will meet twice in one week. At our first meeting, we will discuss the book. At our second meeting, we will discuss the movie version and compare it to the book.
FIRST MEETING: THE BOOK - Wonder by R. J. Palacio
Learners should read (or listen to) the book before our first meeting. We will discuss topics in the book such as plot elements, characters, themes, the author's style, and more. I will ask everyone to share their favorite quote from the book at the end of our meeting. Quotes can be silly or serious. Sharing a favorite quote is optional but encouraged. Students can also share a favorite moment, character, or scene.
NOTE: Learners may read the book on their own, listen to an audiobook, or have a parent read the book aloud to them. All options are fantastic ways to experience the story.
SECOND MEETING: THE MOVIE - Wonder (2017)
Learners should watch the entire movie before our second meeting. Our discussion this week will focus on our impression of the screen version of our book. We will compare our own vision for the characters, the setting, and the story to the producer's vision. We'll also share what we loved and didn't love about the screen version of this book.
NOTE: The movie is available as a rental on Amazon in the USA. You can also check other streaming services and options from your library.
MEETING INFORMATION
During our meeting, I will facilitate a roundtable discussion and make sure everyone has a chance to share their ideas. I'll guide the students as they express their own opinions and listen to the opinions of others. Learning to support your ideas from literature is the foundation of literary analysis, so our book club will give everyone the opportunity to practice in a comfortable atmosphere.
Our meeting time will often include a short game or time of sharing related to the book.
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Looking for more? This book/movie discussion is part of a book/movie series this summer. Your learner can register for sessions individually on my profile:
The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis
Charlotte's Web by E. B. White
How to Train your Dragon by Cressida Cowell
Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
I can't wait to discuss these titles with you!Other Details
Parental Guidance
Parents should know that this book is about 10-year-old August Pullman, who has a genetic facial difference. When he enters school for the first time, he has to cope with a lot of reactions to his appearance, as well as typical middle school drama. There are upsetting situations - some kids use hateful language and some suggest August is mentally deficient. In addition, the family faces hardships such as the death of a beloved pet. A high school couple kisses a few times and there are a few 7th-grade kids observed smoking - whether it is cigarettes or pot is not made clear.
In the end, goodness wins and the story is an uplifting one. There are also plenty of positive role models who make good choices.
Our discussion will focus on the lessons we can learn from the positive characters as well as the uplifting messages in the book, but if you have a particularly sensitive child, this story might not be the right choice.
You can do more research and read reviews at Common Sense Media.
Supply List
Students will need a copy of each book (or an audiobook) and access to the movie. Students can read the book on their own, listen to an audiobook, or parents can read the book to their child.
1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined March, 2021
5.0
285reviews
Star Educator
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Towson State University
Hi Friends! Let's Celebrate Book Together!
Hi, my name is Mary and I love all things books and book clubs. I have been organizing and leading book clubs in the homeschool community for 6 years and I can't wait to discuss books with you. My book clubs are designed to encourage and inspire students to think more deeply about what they read, to form and defend their opinions, and to engage others in conversations about books.
I believe that book clubs are a brilliant way to lay the foundation for literary analysis. Well-crafted discussions help us explore various literary and plot elements, the author's style, and book themes in a fun and relaxed environment. I know everyone is capable of sharing great insights and the questions in our book club will be designed to draw those insights out.
I am a graduate of Towson University with a BS in Elementary Education. I taught in the public school system (elementary and then middle school) for five years before staying home with my kids. We began homeschooling over 12 years ago and in that time, my own love of children's books and young adult literature was reignited. I spent two years as an employee at Brave Writer where I facilitated online book clubs and now I share my love of books online on my own website at Celebrate a Book.
I live in North Carolina with my husband, four kids, and our dog, Lafayette. Yes, the dog represents our family's absolute love for Hamilton: The Musical.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$35
for 2 classes2x per week, 1 week
45 min
Completed by 20 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-12
4-9 learners per class
