Encourage Kindness with the Wonder Books #ChooseKind

I’m always looking for good character-education resources, especially ways to encourage children to be kind. I’ve been very impressed with the books by R.J. Palacio. In case you’re not aware of them (or R.J. Palacio’s latest book), I want to share some awesome ways to encourage kindness. There’s even a #ChooseKind anti-bullying campaign associated with the Wonder books.

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Wonder Books by R.J. Palacio

Wonder

This is the book that started it all, the original Wonder, the #1 New York Times bestseller by R.J. Palacio. It’s recommended for children ages 8-12, but it’s an amazing book even for adults. It’s the story of Auggie Pullman, “an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face.” It’s a story that encourages empathy, kindness, and acceptance.

I think this is a wonderful book to read together with your child or students. There are so many important topics to discuss in the book!

We’re All Wonders Picture Book

I’m so excited that there’s now a picture book based on Auggie’s story. It’s recommended for children ages 4-8, but my 3-year-old granddaughter loves it, too. We’re All Wonders is a perfect way to start a dialogue with young children about the importance of choosing kindness regardless of how someone looks or acts.

You can read more about We’re All Wonders in my post last week: Encourage Kindness with the We’re All Wonders Picture Book. I also share ideas about using Kindness Elves with the book to place extra focus on kindness.

 Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories

Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories isn’t a sequel to Wonder. It gives Wonder readers another chance to see Auggie through the eyes of Julian (the bully), Christopher (Auggie’s oldest friend), and Charlotte (Auggie’s new friend). It’s recommended for ages 8-12 and helps children understand the motives behind someone’s behavior.

I loved this book and see it as an extension of Wonder. It really adds to the original book and is an important book to help children develop empathy.

365 Days of Wonder: Mr. Browne’s Book of Precepts (A Quote for Every Day of the Year about Courage, Friendship, Love, and Kindness)

I’m a huge fan of quotes (see my themed “Best Quotes” posts and word-art quotation freebies). 365 Days of Wonder: Mr. Browne’s Book of Precepts is again recommended for ages 8-12 but fabulous for adults as well as kids. It has quotes to inspire anyone and is a perfect way to introduce children to the inspirational and motivational value of quotations.

The Wonder Journal

The Wonder Journal isn’t a story. It’s a journal with quotes and drawings to stimulate writing and reflection. Yes, it’s recommended for ages 8-12. Please take the recommended ages with a grain of salt. The Wonder books are truly wonderful for a wide variety of ages.

Have you and/or your children or students read any of the Wonder books? Do you have a favorite way to show kindness?

You’ll find more great kindness books in my post about preparing a book basket that encourages kindness.

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