18th CKY issue

In the past term, one of the readers we used in English
lessons was Wonder by R. J. Palacio. This book inspired and
refreshed me, and taught me numerous valuable lessons. Most
importantly, Wonder helped me develop kindness. It reminded me of
the importance of accepting people for who they are, instead of
judging how they look, and showed me how a little kindness can go a
long way.
Wonder’s primary theme is the importance of being kind.
The book gives a realistic look at the frankly brutal reality of how
being kind seems difficult in the real world, showing how people
might bully August, the protagonist, just because of his “different”
appearance. It doesn’t create a nice world for August, but something
more deeply rooted than the sadness conquers and that is the sense of
love and kindness.
August’s teacher taught them a precept--“When given the
choice between being right or being kind, choose kind.” I believe this
quote teaches us that you have to think about others before yourself.
Always being right doesn’t give us satisfaction, yet being kind could
help someone out. At the graduation ceremony, the principle stated,
“If every person in this room made it a rule that wherever you are,
whenever you can, you will try to act a little kinder than is necessary -
the world really would be a better place." This speech focuses on the
importance of showing kindness in all areas of life, even to those who
appear to be different.
Wonder taught me that it takes so little kindness to make such a big
difference. It taught me how essential it is to be kind to everyone. If
everyone could be more compassionate and empathetic—if everyone
could show more kindness-- the world would be a better place.
Using Wonder to
Be Kind
Shannon Lau 7A
Page 14