May 6: Author R.J. Palacio to Visit Steward

The Steward School is gearing up for a very special visitor: On May 6, bestselling author R.J. Palacio will spend time on our campus with Spartans in all divisions! (Ms. Palacio’s visit was originally scheduled for February and was rescheduled due to weather.) 

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. 

In the months leading up to her visit, students engaged in 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. The book’s message also aligns with Steward’s core values (innovation, inspiration, care & respect, individuality, academic achievement, and civil discourse).

Projects inspired by “Wonder” have graced our hallways and enriched our campus throughout this school year. Lower Schoolers created charming “I can show kindness by…” video messages. View the junior kindergarten, kindergarten, grade 1, and grade 2 videos. Dina Zuckerberg, who was born with a craniofacial difference and serves as director of family programs at myFace, spoke to Middle Schoolers via Zoom, telling them, “You have the power to choose to do kind things.” Middle Schoolers also created posters decorated with positive messages and colorful art, and Upper Schoolers adorned bulletin boards with handwritten “Here’s My Advice” messages — tips on how to communicate with empathy and stand up against bullying. 

“Wonder” was also made into a major motion picture starring Julie Roberts and Owen Wilson. Steward hosted a screening of the movie and displayed a gallery of student-made art in February. Another of Ms. Palacio’s popular books, “White Bird,” was also made into a movie, which Middle Schoolers saw during a field trip in February. In a pivotal scene, the main character listens intently as his grandmother shares her story of survival during World War II. Their relationship became a springboard for a ninth-grade podcast project in which students interviewed adults about their lives and the challenges they have overcome. 

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!”