We're All Wonders

 

We're All Wonders

A Review by Alyssa Wong

Synopsis

We're All Wonders is a picture book written and illustrated by R.J. Palacio and is based off her popular novel Wonder. The picture book follows the narrator as he describes himself and his discouraging experiences as someone who does not look like his peers. He imagines combatting society's harsh words by blasting into space, looking at the Earth in the distance and reflecting on how there is space for people of all identities and characteristics. We're All Wonders strives to represent how it feels being treated as an outsider for something an individual is unable to change, concluding with an encouraging message to be inclusive and recognize that we are all wonders.

Anti-Bias Elements

Simplicity and Accessibility to Young Readers

We're All Wonders translates a powerful message that would not be accessible to or understood by younger viewers if they were restricted to watching the movie or reading the chapter book. The images accompanying the complex message simplifies meaning so young readers are able to understand through visual representations. 

Insightful Practices of Empathy

The book highlights the practice of anti-bias by pointing out common practices incorrectly deemed acceptable by society. It both illustrates and describes how others stare, point, or laugh at the narrator behind his back and how it makes him feel hurt which shows children the perspective of those on the other side of judgement which differs from their own perspective. By showing a child inviting the narrator to play, the book ignites these feelings of empathy to encourage actions of inclusivity in their daily lives.

Diverse and Representitive Illustrations

When you think of the inclusion of others who do not look like you, you usually think of racial diversity. However, people with physical deformities are underrepresented in storytelling, and We're All Wonders brings in that diverse perspective by illustrating a child with one eye, no mouth, and ears that differ in size. Additionally, the other children illustrated in the book have various skin colors, hair styles, face shapes, and genders which is representative of the book's audience.