White Bird: A Wonder Story

This is an amazing graphic novel. Set in the same universe as Palacio’s Wonder but during World War II, it stands on its own as a powerful story. While it’s marketed for kids, it resonates with readers of all ages. Julian (Auggie’s bully in Wonder) is working on a school project and asks his grandmother for a story. She recounts her experiences as a young Jewish girl in France during WWII. The story is both heartbreaking and beautiful, illuminating both the highs and lows of humanity. I cried no less than eleven times. The artwork is simple yet stunning, allowing the narrative to truly shine. A touch of magical realism adds levity to the story’s intensity. I loved this graphic novel! It’s a story that will stay with me for a long time. Art:4.5/5 Plot: 5/5 Writing: 5/5 My Enjoyment:5/5

I read the book and saw the recent film and highly recommend both. The film follows the book for most of the story which it relates accurately. I tend to prefer the setting of the film, with the grandmere in person in NYC. Her lifetime valedictory address at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for her artistic achievement, growing out of her drawings depicted in the story narrative, emphasizes that the saving of her life has brought goodness and beauty to the world at a high level. Upon reflection, the reverse implies all that was lost in the unnecessary deaths of millions in WWII. I strongly recommend studying the Afterward, Author's Note, Dedication, Glossary (which is much more than a glossary), Suggested Reading List, and Bibliography which cover the last 13 pages of the book and give substantial additional background to the book. Photos of people who were inspiration for the book's characters are shown. The author cites The Diary of Anne Frank as long being heavily influential. While not Jewish herself, the author's husband is Jewish and she presents how his family background heavily influenced her writing. We will be viewing the film at our church group and I will recommend the book as well.

My girls (9 and 10) loved the book. My 10 year old did bring it to me to point out propaganda in the illustration at the very end with Trump's name. We are a Hispanic family that moved from the border of CA/MX to TX and my children are aware enough to know that the hoards of undocumented people that were coming in resulted in terrible crimes against American people. So they can catch ignorance when they spot it on this particular issue. The author didn't experience the issue the same as people living at the border and portrays it differently, much like you would experience it as a left-wing activist from afar.

Love this story!!!

I did not come on here to write a review, but only to find the spelling of a Julien's nickname, as I was writing to tell teachers to get this book. As I scrolled down I was appalled by the people who were saying authors should keep "politics" out of their books. Sorry, WHAT? What is our purpose in teaching students if it is not to be discerning and make connections to see how one historical occurrence is like another? One of my favorite moments as a teacher was at a time when I was teaching students, using books about the Holocaust and after reading fa chapter in The Boy On the Wooden Box, one of the books that R. J. Palacio puts in her Other Books Abut This Subject, students came in and were right away talking about the walls that went up in Poland, and how it reminded them of the walls that the president wanted to build. Was I to say, "Oh, we can't talk about that?" No, I let them talk and I let them think about what they could do personally. This is what we want, folks. We want students to think about their place in the global society and how they can bring about change in the world. So, R.J. Palacio, please don't listen to the naysayers. I, myself, found great merit in this book and am sharing it with many others. It was chosen as a Vermont Middle Grade Award nominee for 2020-2021, and I will be promoting it with my students and with the teachers I work with.

In "White Bird: A Wonder Story," R.J. Palacio makes a poignant graphic novel debut that delves into the compelling backstory of Grandmère, a character first introduced in "Wonder." Through stunning illustrations and heartfelt storytelling, Palacio explores the harrowing experiences of Sara, a young Jewish girl, who finds refuge with a kind family during the dark days of Nazi-occupied France. The narrative beautifully highlights the transformative power of kindness, illustrated through Sara's relationship with a former classmate she once shunned, which blossoms into a profound friendship. The themes of bravery and compassion resonate deeply, reminding readers of the importance of empathy, especially during challenging times. "White Bird" is an essential addition to the "Wonder" universe, capturing the essence of humanity's capacity for goodness in the face of adversity and leaving a lasting impression on all who read it.

I thought I wouldn’t like the format but the book was moving

Our family saw the movie and loved the story of perseverance, kindness, and love. This book is a fantastic graphic novel, and my kids ages 16 and 11 love reading it. We love the hardback edition and plan on keeping it as one of our treasured books.

Minha filha tem 9 anos e estamos lendo este livro emocionante. A gente chora junto e pensa sobre os vários aspectos tragos pela autora.

My son loved it. It’s a beautiful read.

Ho ricevuto un libro probabilmente reso da qualcun altro visto che all’interno ho trovato un biglietto con la traduzione in italiano della prima pagina. Forse il libro era stato regalato perché riporta il prezzo coperto da un’etichetta e forse lo avranno anche letto visto che si nota che non è nuovo. . Sono piuttosto contrariata visto che ho pagato per il libro nuovo. Non faccio il reso perché non ho tempo e perché il libro sembra in buone condizioni. Ma quanto è stato fatto non è corretto nei confronti dell’acquirente. Addirittura con un biglietto all’interno che dimostra quanto ho scritto

Bewegend zu lesen

Wonder の作者が書いた、いじめっ子ジュリアンの祖母が語る物語 第二次世界大戦中、ナチス占領下のフランス、ユダヤ人少女だった祖母はある家族にかくまわれる 祖母はジュリアンに告げた言葉が涙なしには読めない"It always takes courage to be kind, but in those days, such kindness could cost you everything." コミック形式で読みやすいものになっているが、なんと作者が絵を描いたというのは何とも驚きだ 映画化もされている『ホワイトバード はじまりのワンダー (White Bird)』