New Beginnings Unit Review

Which sentence from R. J. Palacio's Wonder contains an example of direct characterization?

• I would wish that I could walk down the street without people seeing me and then doing that look-away thing.

• I don't even know what the noises were exactly because I didn't hear them myself, but Via heard and she just started yelling at the kids.

• Mom sat down in a chair in front of Mr. Tushman's desk, and even though there was another chair right next to hers, I decided to stand beside her.

• One of the reasons I grew my hair long last year was that I like how my bangs cover my eyes: it helps me block out the things I don’t want to see.

Stacie is writing about Wonder by R. J. Palacio.

I started to follow her, but Julian cut right in front of me, which actually made me stumble backward.

"Oops, sorry about that!" said Julian.

But I could tell from the way he looked at me that he wasn't really sorry at all.

Which best shows that Stacie has made a personal connection to understand August’s character?

• Once, after I hurt my brother’s feelings, my parents told me to apologize. I was not really sorry at the time, but I had to apologize anyway. I know how August feels.

• Pushing people is a really mean thing to do. Julian was especially mean to push August, because August already has many physical challenges. I feel very sad for August.

• My older sister sometimes bothers me at home. She usually says she is sorry, but I know that she does not really mean it. I understand how frustrated August might feel.

• If I were a principal at the school, I would make a rule that no one could cut in line or shove people. This would help people like August, so he would not be pushed around.

Tina wants to read for understanding.

As Tina checks her own reading, she should

• occasionally pause to make sure she understands.

• read until the end of the book without stopping.

• find other books by the same author.

• think about different endings for the story.

Peter is writing about characters in Wonder by R. J. Palacio.

But somehow Jack Will got that I had smiled at him. And he smiled back.

"Julian's a jerk," he whispered before Julian and Charlotte reached us. "But, dude, you're gonna have to talk." He said this seriously, like he was trying to help me.

Which best shows that Peter has made a personal connection that helps him understand Jack Will’s character?

• Jack Will is very impatient with Julian. I think Julian has been a bully to him before, and that is why he warns August to speak up.

• It is not a good idea to speak up to Julian. Jack Will should not have told August to talk. Talking will get Julian mad, and, later in the story, August will be sorry that he bothered Julian.

• I think August and Jack Will should learn karate to defend themselves. That is what worked for me. Now, no one at school ever bothers me. I love competing in karate competitions, too.

• At first, Jack Will seems bored with August and the school tour. But at the end of the chapter, he tries to help August. I understand how this happens, because my best friend and I did not get along when we first met.

Read the lyrics from Natalie Merchant's song "Wonder."

with love, with patience and with faith

she'll make her way

How might these words have inspired the author of the novel Wonder?

• They may have made the author decide that August's mother should have only two children, because raising a lot of children is hard work.

• They may have inspired the author to make August's character have to be homeschooled and his sister's character be able to go to a regular school.

• They may have made the author decide that August's character should be a boy to avoid any confusion between the novel and the song.

• They may have inspired the author to make August's character strong enough to face the challenges of a new school with the loving support of his family.

Naw you ain't," said Stacey. There was a shocked silence as all heads turned to him. "This here thing's between Cassie and Lillian Jean and ain't nobody telling nobody nothin' 'bout this." He stared directly at T.J., caught his eye, and repeated, "Nobody."

"Ah, man!" cried T.J. "It ain't none of my business." Then, after a moment's silence, he added, "I got too many worries of my own to worry 'bout Cassie Uncle Tomming Lillian Jean."

My temper almost flew out of my mouth, but I pressed my lips tightly together, forcing it to stay inside.

Based on the excerpt, what causes Cassie to almost lose her temper?

• Stacey telling everyone that they will not say anything

• T.J. talking to everyone about all of his worries

• Stacey saying that Cassie’s business is her business

• T.J. accusing Cassie of Uncle Tomming Lillian Jean

Which lines from Natalie Merchant's song "Wonder" most likely inspired R. J. Palacio to make August's character stared at wherever he goes in the novel Wonder?

• Doctors have come from distant cities

  just to see me

• and as far as they can see they can offer

  no explanation

• laughed as she came to my cradle

  know this child will be able

• People see me

  I'm a challenge to your balance

How does T.J.’s relationship with Stacey relate to the theme of friendship in this chapter of Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry?

• T.J.’s relationship with Stacey demonstrates qualities of true friendship.

• T.J.’s relationship with Stacey demonstrates qualities of false friendship.

• T.J.’s relationship with Stacey demonstrates that friendship is easy.

• T.J.’s relationship with Stacey demonstrates that friendship is unimportant.

“Now, there ain't no sense in going around being mad. You clear your head so you can think sensibly. Then I want you to think real hard on whether or not Lillian Jean's worth taking a stand about, but keep in mind that Lillian Jean probably won't be the last white person to treat you this way." He turned toward me so that he looked me full in the face, and the seriousness of his eyes startled me. He held my chin up with the wide flat of his hard hand. "This here's an important decision, Cassie, very important—I want you to understand that—but I think you can handle it.”

What does the excerpt show about the historical time period of the story?

• It shows that African Americans in the South experienced unjust treatment by white people that was dangerous to confront.

• It shows that African Americans and white people in the South faced similar types of difficult decisions in order to survive.

• It shows that African Americans in the South maintained the same level of community respect and power as their white neighbors.

• It shows that African Americans and white people in the South worked together to solve disagreements that took place between families.

After reading Wonder, Janelle makes the inference that August does not go out in public very often. Which explicit text detail supports Janelle's inference?

• August has an XBox.

• August lives in Manhattan.

• August's sister needs to protect him.

• August gets stared at wherever he goes.