White Bird: A Wonder Story (A Graphic Novel) — Content Guide for Parents
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
SYDNEY TAYLOR AWARD WINNER • A NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR • NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
In R. J. Palacio's bestselling collection of stories Auggie & Me, which expands on characters in Wonder, readers were introduced to Julian's grandmother, Grandmère. Here, Palacio makes her graphic novel debut with Grandmère's heartrending story: how she, a young Jewish girl, was hidden by a family in a Nazi-occupied French village during World War II; how the boy she and her classmates once shunned became her savior and best friend.
Sara's harrowing experience movingly demonstrates the power of kindness to change hearts, build bridges, and even save lives. As Grandmère tells Julian, "It always takes courage to be kind, but in those days, such kindness could cost you everything." With poignant symbolism and gorgeous artwork that brings Sara's story out of the past and cements it firmly in this moment in history, White Bird is sure to captivate anyone who was moved by the book Wonder or the blockbuster movie adaptation and its message.
Praise for White Bird:
"At once expressive and chaste, an elusive but ideal combination." —New York Times
"A story that shows the impact of the Second World War and the rise of fascism on what had been a pastoral, fairy-tale childhood, with White Bird pulling no punches in connecting that historical moment to what’s happening in the world today." —The Hollywood Reporter
“Extraordinarily powerful.... White Bird does not shrink from depicting the terror and violence of the Nazi occupation for younger readers, and respects the ability of those readers to handle strong material.” —Forbes
"A must-read graphic novel that is both heart-rending and beautifully hopeful." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"R.J. Palacio brings to life the nature of heroism and the real risks we face today." —Meg Medina, Newbery award-winning author of Mercy Suarez Changes Gears
"Rare, superb, timely, and timeless." —Mark Siegel, author of the 5 Worlds graphic novel series
Frequently asked questions
Is White Bird: A Wonder Story (A Graphic Novel) appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The book depicts violence related to the Holocaust, including illustrations showing blood on dead bodies and bullet wounds in civilians fleeing from German soldiers. The themes of loss and violence are prominent throughout the story. The book contains themes that may be frightening for younger readers, including the experience of hiding from Nazis and the violence of war. The emotional weight of the story and the historical context contribute to its intensity.
Does White Bird: A Wonder Story (A Graphic Novel) have violence?
The book depicts violence related to the Holocaust, including illustrations showing blood on dead bodies and bullet wounds in civilians fleeing from German soldiers. The themes of loss and violence are prominent throughout the story.
Does White Bird: A Wonder Story (A Graphic Novel) have scary content?
The book contains themes that may be frightening for younger readers, including the experience of hiding from Nazis and the violence of war. The emotional weight of the story and the historical context contribute to its intensity.
Does White Bird: A Wonder Story (A Graphic Novel) have religious themes?
The book features a Jewish protagonist, Grandmère, who recounts her experiences during the Holocaust, which involves themes of faith and survival. The narrative reflects on the impact of anti-Semitism and the kindness shown by others during this period.
Does White Bird: A Wonder Story (A Graphic Novel) have racial/cultural content?
The narrative addresses themes of discrimination and prejudice, particularly against Jewish people during the Holocaust. It explores the consequences of bullying and the importance of kindness in the face of hatred.
Does White Bird: A Wonder Story (A Graphic Novel) have profanity?
No profanity is mentioned in the book. The content is focused on serious themes related to the Holocaust and does not include any vulgar language.
Does White Bird: A Wonder Story (A Graphic Novel) have climate change?
No climate themes are present in the book. The narrative focuses on historical events and personal stories rather than environmental issues.
Does White Bird: A Wonder Story (A Graphic Novel) have sexual identity?
There are mentions of growing romantic feelings and a long kiss illustrated without details. However, the focus remains on the historical context and the challenges faced during the Holocaust rather than on sexual content.
Does White Bird: A Wonder Story (A Graphic Novel) have gender roles?
The book does not actively discuss or critique gender roles. While it features a female protagonist, the focus is primarily on her experiences during the Holocaust rather than on gender dynamics.
Does White Bird: A Wonder Story (A Graphic Novel) have lgbtq+ themes?
No LGBTQ+ themes are explicitly mentioned in the book's narrative. The search results reference broader discussions about LGBTQ+ characters in literature but do not provide evidence of LGBTQ+ content in 'White Bird: A Wonder Story'.
