Fourteen-year-old Harper* grew up in foster care, moving frequently and struggling to feel settled. Books became her escape, sparking her curiosity about the world.

Three years ago, Harper was matched with her Wonder mentor, Naomi*.  They spent time at the library and at bookstores. They read together at coffee shops and tried local restaurants. Harper liked discussing with Naomi the ideas she’d read about, exploring conflict between characters and wondering about alternate endings.  But it was more than that.  The time they spent together was a chance for Harper to be acknowledged, heard, and valued.

One evening, Harper shared her frustrations with Naomi.  She’d moved to a new school and was having trouble fitting in. She often spent lunch by herself in the library. The cafeteria could be overwhelming. Everyone seemed to know everyone else already.  Naomi listened without judgement. And then she asked Harper to imagine herself as a character in a story.  Where would Harper like the story go?

The next week in the library for lunch hour, Harper approached a table where two other students sat. She set her book down and asked if they’d read it. The conversation was awkward at first, punctuated by long silences.  Like Harper, these two students were used to being alone at lunch and not interacting.  But slowly they started talking. 

Now the three girls eat together in the cafeteria nearly every day.  They still talk about books, but they also talk about other things: music, grades, relationships.  Recently, Harper reached another milestone—she and her foster family are exploring adoption. With growing stability at home, school, and through her Wonder mentor, Harper’s life is filled with connection and possibility.

“It’s been an honor to watch her grow,” says Naomi.  “All she needed was a little support.”

*Names have been changed to protect confidentiality.​