If there’s one book that perfectly captures the emotional rollercoaster of being different in a world that often fears what it doesn’t understand, it’s Wonder by R.J. Palacio. Wonder is one of those books that stays with you long after you turn the last page. It tells the story of August "Auggie" Pullman, a boy born with a facial deformity who faces the challenge of attending school for the first time. From day one, he experiences bullying—some kids mock him, others avoid him, and some pretend he doesn’t exist. The book doesn’t just show direct bullying; it also highlights the quiet, more subtle ways people can make someone feel like they don’t belong.
What makes Wonder so powerful is how it dives into different perspectives, including those of the bullies and bystanders. It doesn’t just paint a black-and-white picture of good and bad but instead explores why some kids bully and why others stay silent. At the same time, it shows how simple acts of kindness—like sitting with someone at lunch or standing up for a friend—can make all the difference.
At its core, Wonder is about empathy and acceptance. It’s a reminder that what makes us different is also what makes us special and that choosing kindness, even in difficult situations, is always the right thing to do. Whether you're a kid, a teenager, or an adult, this book is a must-read for understanding the true impact of bullying and the power of compassion.
I read this book a long time ago, but it was one of those books I really enjoyed, and I found its message to be extraordinarily important.
- Nil Sànchez -
Do you know who Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta is?
ReplyDeleteYou probably have no idea who she is by this name, but I'm sure you know her by her stage name: Lady Gaga.
Lady Gaga is one of the most important and influential singers and artists in the world. She has written uncountable songs, but there's one I'm sure you've heard of at some point that is closely related to the subject "Born This Way."
In many interviews, the artist has explained that she suffered bullying during her time in school and how it affected her. She has said that her classmates called her "weird" and "strange" and often excluded her from her group and activities. The bullying profoundly affected her self-esteem and confidence. In several interviews, she has spoken about how she felt "invisible" and "unloved" during that time. She even suffered physical harassment from her classmates. This pushed her to find refuge in music and write songs that convey a message of self-love and resilience. "Born This Way" has become an hymn for those who feel different or marginalized.
In 2012, the artist even founded the Born This Way Foundation (https://bornthisway.foundation/), a nonprofit organization that focuses on youth, promoting acceptance, inclusion, and combating bullying.
It's a story of overcoming hardship that I believe can help many people who can relate to it.
Laura Sanchez
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