Guest Post: My sister talks about Wonder

Amanda's note:  I asked my younger sister, Allison, to write a post about Wonder by RJ Palacio.  Allison offers a unique perspective on Wonder, one that made me rethink the book (again).  So, without further ado, Allison! 

Clicking the image will take you to the Amazon page for Wonder

When Amanda first told me about Wonder, I wasn’t quite sure what to say about it. She has the habit of giving me books to read after she reads them, some of them I enjoyed, some of them not. So, I was not sure on which category Wonder would fall into but it turned out to be a wonderful book. I think what made it so good to read was simply the fact that I am like Auggie, the main character in the book.

Like Auggie, I have a disability. For those of you who don’t know me, I have had a bilateral hearing disability ever since I was 2 years old. While my parents and family supported/fostered the idea that I am no different from anybody else/do not let the disability keep you from doing things other normal people can do; it isn’t exactly easy sometimes. More often than not, I break the stereotype that other people have of me in being that since I have hearing aids, I therefore must be dumb and completely deaf and blind. Resulting in embarrassing and frustrating moments where adults are screaming at me or pretending that I can’t see them/can’t help them. Sometimes its children who don’t know really what I have; other times its adults who treat me with disrespect.

But every time Auggie faced those moments, I was rooting for him to remain positive and not let the disability be a curse but a blessing. I’ve been there and could relate to those moments that Auggie got upset, hurt or frustrated. At the end though, I was able to rejoice with Auggie when he chose to embrace his disability and use it in a positive, encouraging way.

One of the other main reasons I could relate to this book was because of the relationship Auggie has with his sister. He has an older sister (just like me) who fights for him and is ready to defend him when needed. But, I know, it has not always been easy for my sister some time in being known as the girl who has a sister with a disability. I am sure there were moments she was jealous of all the attention/special treatment I was getting because of having a hearing disability; or having our parents constantly taking me to various doctors and specialists to figure out what the latest problem I was having. But, she has been one of the most encouraging and supportive people I have ever known; because she does not see me as being disabled but just like anybody else without a disability.
 

So, really, Wonder was a book that could have been about Amanda and me. Different characters, lifestyles, etc but still the same basic underlying theme of the book. One should never judge a book by its cover can be applied to people as well. And never underestimate the power of the blessing a disability may have, through the individual who has it or the support from family members.

About Allison:  

The ever adorable hilarious younger sister of Amanda. Horse-crazy since birth, avid reader,

photographer, flowboarder and outdoor enthusiast, I currently work at the local police

department (in which I do not carry a gun, handcuff or badge).