Similes:
* "He looked like a scared little bird." (Describing Auggie's initial reaction to school)
* "The laughter felt like a punch in the gut." (Describing Auggie's feeling when he is bullied)
* "My face felt like it was melting." (Describing Auggie's embarrassment)
Metaphors:
* "My heart was a drum beating in my chest." (Describing Auggie's fear and excitement)
* "I felt like a tiny seed, planted in the middle of a vast, dark forest." (Describing Auggie's loneliness)
* "My smile was a mask, hiding the storm inside." (Describing Auggie's forced cheerfulness)
Personification:
* "The wind whispered secrets through the leaves." (Creating an atmospheric mood)
* "The rain was crying down on the city." (Adding a sense of sadness and empathy)
* "The sun smiled down on the playground." (Creating a sense of happiness and optimism)
Hyperbole:
* "My stomach felt like a roller coaster." (Describing Auggie's nervousness)
* "I was so embarrassed, I wanted to disappear." (Exaggerating the intensity of Auggie's feelings)
* "I have a million things to say, but I can't think of a single one." (Illustrating Auggie's social anxiety)
Alliteration:
* "The sun shone on the shining sand." (Creating a musical effect)
* "The wind whistled through the willow trees." (Adding to the atmosphere)
* "The big, bad bully." (Emphasizing the character's negative traits)
Onomatopoeia:
* "The bell clanged loudly, signaling the end of class." (Adding sensory detail)
* "The door slammed shut, echoing through the hallway." (Creating a sense of drama)
* "The birds chirped happily, their songs filling the air." (Adding a peaceful touch)
Idioms:
* "He was a real pain in the neck." (Describing someone annoying)
* "I felt like I was walking on eggshells." (Describing a tense situation)
* "He was a fish out of water." (Describing someone feeling uncomfortable)
These examples demonstrate how Palacio uses figurative language to enhance the story's themes of empathy, understanding, and acceptance. It allows the reader to connect with Auggie's experiences on a deeper level and gain a nuanced perspective on his journey.