Another great Wonder short story. Enjoyed this one too. ( )

This is another fantastic addition to the "Wonder" story, told from the viewpoint of Chris, the childhood best friend of August Pullman. Truly heartwarming, this short story adds another layer to the wonderful story surrounding a severely disfigured boy named August. Chris, the boy who grew up beside August, faced his own set of challenges being best friends with a boy who had facial disfigurements. But Chris learned so many invaluable lessons because of this, and he shines in this short story. A highly recommended read, alongside "The Julian Chapters", to complete the amazing story of August Pullman.

Sarah M. / Marathon County Public Library
Find this book in our library catalog.

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This story is told on the point of view of Christopher the first best friend August, the main character of the first book in the series "Wonder",had. The Story starts around the time that August's dog died. August and Chris used to be best friends but when Chris moved they stopped talking. Chris then laves for school but once he's there he realizes he forgot his trombone, science papers, and his gym shorts. He rudely asks his mom to bring them to school for him and rushes to class. The day goes by, but his mom never brings his stuff. After school Chris goes to an after school band class with a group of kids thought by a teacher known as Mr. B. The 3 kids who have been in the class for a very long time don't seem very welcoming to Chris and John who are both new. John is a fourth grader and doesn't really know when he's being picked on, he's very brave and isn't afraid to state his point but he's a bit annoying. Chris decides to be nice to him because the other kids aren't. The group of kids wants to do one song but Mr. B had the doing another so most of the meeting was arguing over what song to play for the concert.
A while later after waiting to be picked up his dad comes, he's really supersized by this because his parents divorced and his dad usually doesn't pick him up. He dad tells him his mother was in a car accident and they pick her up for the hospital. Chris feel terrible about how he treated his mom after this. During this time Chris talks about time when August and him were still friends. Later that night he gets a text from one of the band kids saying that they don't want John to be part of their performance but they want him, they say that they will be doing a performance without John and Mr. B and they want him to join without them. Chris doesn't know how to respond so he gives himself some time to think. Later her starts face-timing August. August helps him with his homework. During the face-time he tells August about how his time at school has been terrible and August helps him get over it and calm down. In the end Chris realizes how hard friendships can be and understands August better than before along with himself. He text back the band saying he will perform with John.
I like this story because the lessons are great, the new point of view and backstory are amazing, and it's touching. The lessons in the story can help kids struggling with their own friendships and are so understandable for kids in middle school the most. The new point of view was hard to understand at first but it really enriched the series. The story is so well written and lovable! This story was great and would probably be read again! :) ( )

Narrated by Scott Merriman. A spin-off of "Wonder," featuring Augie's oldest friend Christopher. It's a bad couple of days for Christopher: his mother gets in a car accident and he feels responsible, he feels pressure to choose between a friend and popularity, and his schoolwork isn't up to par. The overarching theme is that accidents aren't your fault. Palacio has a finger on the pulse of children's emotions but not nearly as intuitively as Kevin Henkes does. Merriman voices Christopher's worst moments with a convincingly irritating whine that makes you want to say, Come on, Christopher, buck up! Eventually he does. ( )

This short read provides a peek into Auggie's life before we meet him in Wonder. This chapter is told from Chris' perspective -- a boy Auggie has known since before he was even born. This isn't a great day for Chris and as we follow him through his day we get a glimpse into how he and Auggie have drifted apart.

Another great installment of the Wonder stories.

(I don't really understand the cover art for this one though...) ( )