Wonder: what difference does the Julian chapter make?

Wonder starts out from Auggie's point of view, but we soon hear from some of his classmates, his sister and her boyfriend. In the new edition of the book, we get to see the story from Julian's point of view. What do you think?
  
  

Cover detail, Wonder by RJ Palacio
Wonder by RJ Palacio – the book has now been republished with an extra chapter written by the bad guy: Julian. Photograph: Random House Photograph: Random House

When Auggie first goes to Beecher Prep he just wants to join in and make friends. But with his cranio-facial abnormality he struggles to fit in, and while some – such as Summer and Jack – do find a way to see the boy beneath the face, others in the school – particularly Julian – are not so understanding.

Wonder starts out from Auggie's point of view, but we soon hear from some of his classmates, his sister and her boyfriend. In the new edition of the book, in the Julian chapter, we get to see the story from Julian's point of view.

What do you think of the Julian chapter? How does it change your reading of the book (if it does at all)? Does it make Julian a more sympathetic character, or is there still no excuse for his behaviour?

And more generally, how well do you think Wonder discusses bullying and how sensitive is it to the complex dynamics that make up school relationships?

Email us your thoughts, comment on Facebook or contact us on Twitter @GdnChildrensBks to share your thoughts.

Help us celebrate 365 Days of Wonder by joining in on the Words of Wisdom to Live By campaign. Watch the trailer and tell us on twitter your words of wisdom using @RHKidsUK #choosekind

 

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