The Steward School is gearing up for a very special visitor: On February 25, 2025, bestselling author R.J. Palacio will spend time on our campus with Spartans in all divisions! In the months leading up to her visit, students are engaging in a variety of activities and programming centered on empathy and kindness, the central theme of Ms. Palacio’s works and essential to Steward’s 2024-25 schoolwide theme of dialogue. Steward will also host an evening event for families on February 11, 2025. 

Inspiring Kindness 

Ms. Palacio is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller “Wonder,” which has sold over 15 million copies worldwide and is published in more than 50 languages. “Wonder” tells the story of Auggie Pullman, an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face who shows readers that kindness brings people together no matter their differences. The book’s message inspired the Choose Kind movement, which aims to develop kindness education and prevent bullying, intolerance, and isolation that many children face at school. “Wonder” was also made into a movie starring Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, and Jacob Tremblay. 

Ms. Palacio’s other bestselling books include “Pony,” “365 Days of Wonder: Mr. Browne’s Book of Precepts,” “Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories,” the picture book “We’re All Wonders,” and the graphic novel “White Bird,” which in 2024 was made into a movie starring Gillian Anderson and Helen Mirren. Steward Middle Schoolers took a field trip to a local theatre to watch “White Bird” in October; afterward, they were encouraged to discuss with each other and their families the movie’s themes, including friendship, creativity, empathy, and kindness.

On November 13, Dina Zuckerberg, director of family programs at myFace, spoke to Middle Schoolers via Zoom about the myFace Wonder Project. Fifth graders, who are currently reading “Wonder,” joined the meeting, too. The goal of the myFace Wonder Project is to teach students of all ages the importance of empathy, inclusivity, and being an upstander against bullying. 

Ms. Zuckerberg, who was born with a craniofacial difference and was often bullied as a child, encouraged Spartans to strive to be compassionate. She said, "We have the power to choose to do kind things.” The book “Wonder,” she added, “changed my life.”   

On February 11, 2025, Steward will host a viewing of “Wonder” at 5:30 p.m. in the Lora M. Robins Theatre. This event is free and open to the whole community. Note: Parents must accompany children to the screening. On that same evening, and through February 25, a gallery show of works inspired by Ms. Palacio’s books and created by Spartans in grades JK-12 (including art, videos, and podcasts) will be on display in the Carolyn R. Brandt Art Gallery beginning at 5 p.m. All are welcome! 

Generous Support
Middle/Upper School Librarian Crystal Hamlin arranged for Ms. Palacio’s visit with support from The Wheless Family Stewardship Fund. This fund, launched in 2012 by Mark and Barbara Wheless (grandparents to Jacob Campbell ’29), is pleased to support Steward’s mission to prepare students for college and for life. The Wheless Family Stewardship Fund supports initiatives that relate to one or more of the four life essentials that help communities flourish: meaningful work, community interaction, healthy family practices, and spiritual formation. In addition to bringing Ms. Palacio to the Steward campus, the fund made it possible for the school to purchase copies of her books for students in grades 3, 4, 5, and 9.

“We are so thankful for the exceptional generosity of The Wheless Family Stewardship Fund,” said Ms. Hamlin. “Author events are positive, inspiring events for students, and we are thrilled about Ms. Palacio’s visit. Her books appeal to readers of all ages; every person I’ve ever given one of her books to has enjoyed it!”