An interview with author R.J. Palacio

Norris, M. (Interviewer) & Palacio, R.J. (Interviewee). (2013). How One Unkind Moment Gave Way To 'Wonder' [Interview transcript]. Retrieved from National Public Radio website: https://www.npr.org/templates/transcript/transcript.php?storyId=221005752

(article, below grade level, independent or peer supported)

This interview was taped as part of NPR’s Backseat Book Club from the program All Things Considered, in which one book is highlighted every month. In September of 2013, Wonder was the chosen book. Interviewer Michele Norris introduces the book by having a fifth grade student read an excerpt from the book. Then, she begins by asking author Palacio about what inspired her to write this book. It stemmed from a real-life encounter with a child at an ice cream shop with her own young son, in which her son screamed in fear after seeing the child’s facial deformity. She wishes that she had responded differently in that situation and used it as a teachable moment to show her son that there was nothing to be afraid of. Palacio also discusses the idea of “choosing kind” and the difference between being just nice and being kind. One fifth grade student at the interview asked Palacio if she identified more as the character Charlotte or Summer in her youth. She confessed that she was more like Charlotte, someone who was never explicitly mean and would always be nice, but never actively chose to be kind like Summer did.

This short interview transcript is also available in audio format, and it would be a great addition to this text set because it gives students a behind-the-scenes look at the author’s purpose for writing this book. It also emphasizes the power of kindness by explaining the idea of what it means to “choose kind” and how one small act of kindness or unkindness can really stay with a person for the rest of their life.