84 pages • 2-hour read
Wonder
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Book Club Questions
General Impressions
Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of bullying and ableism.
Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.
1. How does the multiple-narrator structure affect your understanding of the story and its characters? What do you think of Palacio’s choice to give voice to different perspectives?
2. What were your initial expectations when starting this book? How does this book compare to other books that tackle themes of acceptance and friendship in a school setting, such as J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series or Soman Chainani’s The School for Good and Evil?
3. Which character’s perspective surprised you the most, and why? Did any particular viewpoint change how you initially viewed certain events?
Personal Reflection and Connection
Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.
1. When have you witnessed someone choosing kindness over being right? What impact did that choice have? Should kindness always triumph? Why or why not?
2. People often stare at and judge Auggie because of his genetic condition. How do you handle situations where you feel like an outsider? What strategies from the book might be helpful?
3. Which character do you relate to the most, and why? How does their journey mirror experiences in your own life?
4. Think about a time when you misjudged someone based on appearances. How did your perspective change once you got to know them?
5. Have you ever stood up for someone being treated unfairly? What gave you the courage to act?
Societal and Cultural Context
Examine the book's relevance to broader societal issues, cultural trends, and ethical dilemmas.
1. How does the book address contemporary issues of bullying and social media? What solutions does it suggest?
2. What role do economic and social class differences play in the story’s conflicts and relationships?
3. How does the book challenge society’s definitions of “normal” and “different”?
Literary Analysis
Dive into the book's structure, characters, themes, and use of narrative techniques.
1. Analyze the significance of Mr. Browne’s precepts throughout the novel. How do they connect to the book’s major themes?
2. How does the author use symbols like the astronaut helmet and Halloween costumes to develop deeper meanings?
3. What role does Daisy the dog play in the story? How does her character affect the family dynamics?
4. Examine how the author portrays adult characters versus children. What distinctions does she make in their responses to Auggie?
5. How does the nature retreat serve as both a climax and a turning point in the narrative?
Creative Engagement
Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book's content and themes.
1. If you could create a new precept for Mr. Browne’s class, what would it be and why?
2. Write a scene from another character’s perspective. How differently does this character see the setting, other characters, and/or events? What insights could this new scene add for readers?
3. Design a new award for the graduation ceremony. What would it recognize, and why would this be important?
Unlock all 84 pages of this Study Guide
Get in-depth, chapter-by-chapter summaries and analysis from our literary experts.
- Grasp challenging concepts with clear, comprehensive explanations
- Revisit key plot points and ideas without rereading the book
- Share impressive insights in classes and book clubs