![]() ![]() ![]() She and her family, who live in the “free zone” only experience minor freedom-restricting annoyances at first. Sara describes changes in her community as Nazis begin their occupation. Over the course of the graphic novel, she learns to become better even as a deeply violent and genocidal version of her actions affects her own life and community in profound ways. Mirroring the theme of self-reflection in WONDER, WHITE BIRD depicts Sara, Julian’s Grandmère, as a typical girl who goes along with teasing and bullying of Julien and regrets it. ![]() While there is violence in words and actions depicted, and direct references to the horrors of The Holocaust, this graphic novel is accessible and appropriate for the intended age of 10+, especially as a book to read as a family. Through simple illustrations and language that straddles teenage and adult, readers watch as Julien, a bullied boy, is insulted for his father’s work and his physical abilities due to polio. Palacio’s WHITE BIRD: A WONDER STORY continues the story that was hinted at in “The Julian Chapter” via Julian’s Grandmère, who lives in France. Palacio’s WONDER follow up, “The Julian Chapter,” was no exception as it provided reasons if not excuses for Julian’s treatment of Auggie. Children’s and middle grade literature often provides nuance and backstory to “villains.” R.J. ![]()
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