How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
I walked toward Jack and followed him out of the auditorium. He held the double doors open for me, and as I passed by he looked at me right in the face, kind of daring me to look back at him, which I did. Then I actually smiled. […] The thing is, because of the way my face is, people who don't know me very well don't always get that I'm smiling. […] But somehow Jack Will got that I had smiled at him. And he smiled back. (1.The Performance Space.38)
This moment comes shortly after Jack and August meet for the first time. Julian has already established himself as a jerk, and Charlotte is pleasant but stays neutral. Jack is the only kid to make eye contact and actually smile at August.
Quote #2
The funny thing is, if he hadn't put the backpack between us, I most definitely would have offered to help him. (1.Locks.32)
Auggie's natural inclination is to be helpful and kind, but he shows that he's not a total doormat when he decides not to help Henry open his lock. Henry has put up a wall—he's blocked his opportunity for help, for kindness, and for friendship.
Quote #3
WHEN GIVEN THE CHOICE BETWEEN BEING RIGHT OR BEING KIND, CHOOSE KIND. (1.Choose Kind.27)
Do you agree with this precept? Can you think of any examples that support it? How about any exceptions?
Quote #4
"But if someone doesn't have a summer name and wants to sit with us" she said very seriously, "we'll still let them if they're nice, okay?"
"Okay, I nodded. "Even if it's a winter name."
"Cool beans," she answered, giving me a thumbs up. (1.The Summer Table.32-34)
Kindness is the law of the land at the Summer Table. Both Auggie and Summer know that the best way to combat cruelty is with love.
Quote #5
I sat with him that first day because I felt sorry for him. That's all. Here he was, this strange-looking kid in a brand-new school. No one was talking to him. Everyone was staring at him. […]
It's hard enough being the new kid even when you have a normal face. Imagine having his face?
So I just went over and sat with him. Not a biggie. I wish people would stop trying to turn it into something major.He's just a kid. The weirdest-looking kid I've ever seen, yes. But just a kid. (3.Weird Kids.8-10)
Summer's kindness is so basic to her character she doesn't even regard it as anything out of the ordinary.
Quote #6
I know, I know, I say, soothing her. You're entitled, Olivia. You've dealt with a lot your whole life.
Olivia reminds me of a bird sometimes, how her feathers get all ruffled when she's mad. And when she's fragile like this, she's a little lost bird looking for its nest.
So I give her my wing to hide under. (5.Bird.27-29)
Via is really hard on herself when she admits that she doesn't want anyone at school to know about Auggie, but Justin shows her compassion and kindness. He validates the feelings she is so ashamed of, and his protective hug gives her shelter in the middle of her stormy emotions.
Quote #7
I was so embarrassed I hid my face in my arm, but I couldn't stop the tears from coming.
The guys were really nice to me, though. They patted me on the back.
"You're okay, dude. It's okay," they said.
"You're one brave little dude, you know that?" said Amos, putting his arm around my shoulders. And when I kept on crying, he put both his arms around me like my dad would have done and let me cry. (8.Voices in the Dark.52-55)
The bigger, physically stronger kids are comforting Auggie. They are first shoring him up in a shaky moment, and then just being there for him, giving him a hug as he cries.
Quote #8
"Okay, said Amos, "but, little dude, don't walk around here alone again, okay? If you need to go somewhere, tell us and we'll go with you." (8.The Emperor's Guard.11)
No one has asked them to, but the boys are seriously looking out for Auggie now and they're not going to let any harm come to him. They've finally accepted him as one of their own.
Quote #9
Here Mr. Tushman looked up at the audience. "Kinder than is necessary," he repeated. "What a marvelous line, isn't it? Kinder than is necessary. Because it's not enough to be kind. One should be kinder than needed. Why I love that line, that concept, is that it reminds me that we carry with us, as human beings, not just the capacity to be kind, but the very choice of kindness." (8.A Simple Thing.14)
Which characters are "kinder than is necessary," and how does it make a difference? We want to note here that we've been kinder than necessary about Tushman's name this whole time—we haven't made a single butt joke.
Quote #10
"If every single person in this room made it a rule that wherever you are, whenever you can, you will try to act a little kinder than is necessary—the world really would be a better place. And if you do this, if you act just a little kinder than is necessary, someone else, somewhere, someday, may recognize in you, in every single one of you, the face of God."
He paused and shrugged.
"Or whatever politically correct spiritual representation of universal goodness you happen to believe in…." (8.A Simple Thing.23-25)
And this is why reading Wonder makes everyone who reads it a better person. Amen.