In the article "About Treacher Collins Syndrome," the Common Lit staff explores Treacher Collins., a rare disorder that can cause a variety of different facial deformities. It is caused by genetic mutations and addressed through various surgeries. This article relates to Wonder because the main character, August Pullman, was born with this disease. The way Auggie looks, the surgeries he had, and the genetic nature were all explored in the novel.
In the article "Rewarding Good Behavior as a Way to Stop School Bullying," the Chicago Tribune examines the growing problem of bulling in schools today. It offers one possible solution: rewarding students who show kindness to others. Students are given tokens when they are caught standing up for others or being kind. These tokens can then be redeemed for prizes. This article relates to Wonder because the main character is frequently bullied for his looks. There are students who stand up for him, but there are also others, including a main "friend" Jack Will, who are unsure whether to be kind or not. A system like this in Beecher Prep might have made Auggie's experience less painful.
Wonder by R.J. Palacio is the tale of ten-year-old August Pullman, a boy with severe facial deformities. Auggie, who had been homeschooled his entire life, makes the brave choice to enroll in middle school. It is the story of his trying to fit in even though his peers aren't always kind. He is often bullied, but thanks to the kindness of some amazing friends, he finds his way.