Each year, students at the Community Charter School of Cambridge read Wonder by R.J. Palacio — a story that challenges them to think deeply about empathy, courage, and choosing kindness.
This year, thanks to the Kynock Foundation and support from the Cambridge Community Foundation, 30 students didn’t just read the story — they experienced it live at the American Repertory Theatre’s world-premiere musical adaptation.
“This is a powerful opportunity for our students,” one teacher shared. “They live with these themes in the classroom — and now they get to see them come alive.”
With songs by GRAMMY Award-winning artists Ian Axel and Chad King, the musical celebrates resilience, friendship, and the bravery it takes to be yourself. As Auggie Pullman — a young boy with facial differences — navigates school for the first time, students in the audience saw reflections of their own age, their own friendships, and their own challenges.
By the end of the performance, students were on their feet — singing the songs as they left the theatre.
That’s the power of immersive arts experiences.
Kynock Foundation Immersion Trips are designed to help educators connect classroom learning with transformative cultural moments across Boston. When students see stories they’ve studied come alive on stage, the lessons deepen. The empathy grows. The memories stick.
Wonder reminds its audience of the importance of “precepts” or words to live by.
A precept for today comes from Brazilian sculptor Romero Britto:
“Art is too important not to share.”
We agree.
If you’re a teacher or community leader interested in partnering with us, email kynockfund@kynockfoundation.org.
If you believe every child deserves access to the arts, make a gift today — and help us bring more stories to life.