BookBright
ABOUT THE BOOK
NO SPOILERSTen-year-old August Pullman, called Auggie, was born with a severe facial difference that required twenty-seven surgeries and kept him out of school his whole life. Now, heading into fifth grade at Beecher Prep in New York City, he is about to enter a real school for the first time. Auggie considers himself a pretty ordinary kid who eats ice cream, plays video games, and loves Star Wars, but he knows the world doesn't see him that way. The question is whether his new classmates can get past what they see on the outside long enough to find out who he actually is.
Free Battle of the Books questions for Wonder
SPOILERSEvery one of these has the same answer, and that is the point. In a real battle the question is read aloud with a dozen other books in play, and students have a few seconds to place it. Here is what a battle might ask about Wonder. Use them as a quiz, a trivia round, or BOTB practice.
Where in the book they come from
- Early in the book
In what book does a boy wear an astronaut helmet everywhere, even to the supermarket in summer?
✓ Answer
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
When August was little, he wore an astronaut helmet everywhere he went, to the playground, the grocery store, and when picking up his sister. Even in the heat, with sweat dripping down his face, he kept it on. He only stopped after eye surgery when he was about seven.
- First half
In what book does a girl return from a long trip and suddenly see her brother through strangers' eyes?
✓ Answer
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
After spending a month at Grans' house in Montauk, Via comes home and for a tiny flash sees August the way outsiders do. As he hugs her, she notices only the drool and feels horrified, sickened, and scared. But the moment she hears his raspy little laugh, the feeling disappears and everything goes back to normal.
- First half
In what book does a boy fix up a broken sled, spray paint it white, and name it Lightning?
✓ Answer
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
After the first snowfall, Jack spots a banged-up wooden sled propped against a monument in the park. He drags it home, glues the broken slats, wraps them in duct tape, and spray paints the whole thing white. He paints LIGHTNING in gold letters on the middle slat, and it turns out to be the fastest sled ever.
- Second half
In what book does a boy compare eyes at a school event to compass needles all pointing at him?
✓ Answer
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
At the science fair, Auggie notices all the parents' eyes gravitating toward him. He compares the experience to being the North Pole, with every pair of eyes acting like compass needles that always point in his direction no matter which way people are facing.
- Second half
In what book does a family gather around a pile of their dead dog's toys on the coffee table?
✓ Answer
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
After Daisy is taken to the emergency vet, Via and Auggie collect all of her toys from around the house and pile them on the coffee table. When their parents come home without Daisy, the family sits together around the little pile of toys, grieving their beloved dog.
- Near the end
In what book does a boy ram into a bully like a monster truck to protect a smaller kid?
✓ Answer
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
When Eddie yanks Auggie backward by his hood and he falls hard on a rock, Amos charges into Eddie like a monster truck. They both crash to the ground. Amos ends up with a bloody lip but helps the group escape into the cornfields. It's a turning point in how the other kids see Auggie.
