On Saturday, April 18, 2026, the Newtown AYLUS members organized and hosted a community reading session for elementary school students. For this meeting, the volunteers and the children read the book Wonder by R. J. Palacio: a widely loved 2012 novel that later adapted to a film. Instead of picking a short or simple picture book, the group intentionally selected a substantial chapter book to help young readers stretch their abilities, build stronger literacy skills, and think more critically about the themes within the story.
Two volunteers guided a small group of five children, creating a relatively small sized, friendly, and encouraging environment where everyone felt comfortable participating. The children read aloud in turns, which helped them practice reading fluency while staying connected to the plot. During this session, the group read pages 301-310, which mentioned August’s perspective of the final pages of the story. August is at a school reception for the end of the school year. As Mr. Tushman reads out the names of the students who got awards, he unexpectedly awards August with the Henry Ward Beecher Medal for August’s “quiet strength [that] has carried up the most hearts” (Palacio 304). Everyone is ecstatic for August and for once, August does not care about how he looks, but is filled with joy. The book ends on a sweet note with August’s mother whispering in his ear, “You really are a wonder, Auggie. You are a wonder” (Palacio 310).
The session was very successful. With the volunteers’ support, the students were able to follow the storyline clearly and talk about the emotions and difficulties the character experiences. Compared to the previous meeting, the children showed noticeable gains in confidence and reading skill, and many shared that they were excited to continue the book next time. Their enjoyment of the story, along with the academic progress they demonstrated, made the event especially meaningful for both the students and volunteers.
Participating members included Kylee Guo and Edward Soong (event leader), each contributing one volunteer hour.