Wonder by R. J. Palacio – Part 4

Jack

A famous movie scream, a cartoon teacher, and a band from Louisiana.

Jack Will narrates Part 4. He’s figuring out what he did wrong on Halloween and how to fix it. His references are funny, but they often describe some very uncomfortable feelings.

Keep your copy of Wonder open. Each section below tells you where to look, so you can read the passage in the book before watching the video.

Chapter 62: In Science

Home Alone

In the book

When Jack suddenly figures out why Auggie stopped talking to him, he feels like the kid in Home Alone: mouth hanging open, hands on his face.

The background

In the 1990 movie Home Alone, Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) slaps aftershave on his cheeks and screams with his hands on his face. It’s one of the most famous images in movie history.

Why it matters

The comparison captures Jack’s instant shock and panic when he realizes Auggie overheard him.

Talk about it

Have you ever suddenly realized you hurt a friend’s feelings? What’s the best thing to do in that moment?

Home Alone: Kevin’s scream

Chapter 63: Partners

The Charlie Brown teacher voice

In the book

Jack is so distracted that his teacher’s instructions turn into blah-blah-blah, like the grown-ups in Charlie Brown movies.

The background

In the Peanuts animated specials based on Charles Schulz’s comics, adults never speak real words. Their voices are played by a muted trombone that sounds like “wah-wah-wah.”

Why it matters

The reference shows how Jack tunes out the adults around him when his own worries take over.

Talk about it

Why might an author add a funny reference during a serious or stressful moment?

Charlie Brown’s teacher

Chapter 73: The Boyfriend

Zydeco music

In the book

Via introduces Justin, a fiddler in a zydeco band. Neither Jack nor Auggie knows what that means, and Auggie jokes about Justin’s instrument case. Justin explains that it’s music from Louisiana.

The background

Zydeco is a lively style of music created by Creole communities in southwest Louisiana. It mixes blues, R&B, and French Creole traditions, and usually features accordion, fiddle, and a metal washboard called a rubboard.

Why it matters

Justin laughs along with Auggie’s joke and treats both boys with warmth and respect. Their first meeting sets up Part 5, which Justin narrates.

Talk about it

How does sharing a joke help people feel comfortable around someone new?

Buckwheat Zydeco, “Hey Good Lookin’”
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