White Bird: A Wonder Story (A Graphic Novel)

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.

I've read only a few graphic novels and so stumbling across this one was a gift from...wherever gifts like this come from. I love the art. It's simple, unadorned and beautiful. And the story is compelling.Without spoiling, there's a political statement in the story at the end which will turn off conservatives/Republicans who are swept up in our current national nightmare. But, it's appropriate.

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.

Nice story for children to read a little about the Holocaust. Sad because of topic, but well written.

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.

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 had to read this entire book in one sitting. I genuinely couldn't put it down. Well told, moving and relatable are also words that describe this tale. The art is spectacular, with several frames artistic masterpieces as they capture the mood, the light or the flowers nearly perfectly. A must peek book.

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.