Parents: Wonder

I am not a parent. Many of you reading this may be. I know that you are told to love your children unconditionally and that you do. Raising a child with special needs is no different. Auggie's parents are a true example of what it means to be a family. They never make him do anything he doesn't want to do. They support him in all he does. They listen, respect, and enjoy his company. As I read this book I wonder if God blessed me with  a special needs child if I would be as kind and passionate. Life will always have several ups and downs but its what we do in those times that makes us who we are.

Via: Wonder

      I can understand where Via is coming from. Sometimes as you grow up in life, it isn't always easy. Via is just entering high school and for once in her life she doesn't want to be known for the girl that has a brother that is severely disformed. I feel for her. I couldn't imagine being in her shoes. I don't believe her in the book when she doesn't tell her parents about her play because she doesn't want her "
new" life to change because of her brother. Throughout the book I never question how much she loves her brother, she just wants to be selfish and to be the center of attention. She voices how much she cares and looks out for Auggie all throughout his journey. I couldn't imagine if I was in Via shoes, it would be difficult to deal with all the stares and comments that may come her way. Growing up with a brother with special needs is difficult enough but she truly shows us how to be a great older sibling.

Overall Thoughts on Wonder

     Wow! I couldn't put this put book down! It took be a few days to read just because I'm a slow reader but it applies to so many parts of my life. As my first year as a head start teacher, I was blessed with having a student with down syndrome. What a true blessing. At the beginning of the year I knew it would be a challenge for me because this was something new for me. I had many years of education in special education but nothing truly prepares you for taking on that challenge. The first day of school I am welcomed with this wonderful ball of energy. It took us several weeks to get into a routine but after time the students became so attached to this little girl that often when she missed the students would asked where she was at. This reminds me of Wonder because over time students began to see him in a different way. They began to stick up for him and they were always there to protect him. When it comes to my classroom, my students would have stood up for her no matter what.