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Illustrated portrait of Mrs. Saunders

A character in The Wave

Mrs. Saunders

Laurie’s mother distrusts the Wave early and worries that it rewards obedience rather than education.

The book

Cover of The Wave by Todd Strasser
The WaveTodd Strasser, 1981

A classroom experiment shows how quickly discipline, slogans, symbols, and belonging can replace judgment.

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Who they are in the book

Spoiler-free

Laurie’s mother distrusts the Wave early and worries that it rewards obedience rather than education. Her concern helps Laurie take her own discomfort seriously. She remains supportive while the school turns against her daughter.

If you like The Wave

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If you like Todd Strasser

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