Wonder
R.J. Palacio, Author
Random House Children’s Books, Fiction, 2012
Suitable for Ages: 8-12
Themes: Abnormalities, Differences, Friendship, Middle School, Self-esteem
Opening: “I know I’m not an ordinary ten-year-old kid. I mean, sure, I do ordinary things. I eat ice cream. I ride my bike. I play ball. I have an XBox. Stuff like that makes me ordinary, I guess. And, I feel ordinary. Inside. But I know ordinary kids don’t make other ordinary kids run away screaming in playgrounds. I know ordinary kids don’t get stared at wherever they go.”
Synopsis: August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a rare facial deformity. He has undergone many surgeries in his young life. He has dealt with people staring at him and rushing away in horror his 10 young years. His mother has homeschooled August to protect him, but he’s about to start fifth grade, His parents have taken a bold step and have enrolled him in Beecher Prep. Although Auggie has learned to brace himself, he’s not happy about going to middle school. It’s hard enough to be the new kid on the block. But facing your classmates knowing there will be rejection, ridicule and cruelty is a lot to ask of any child. The principal asks three students to be friends with Auggie and show him the ropes. Among the three, Jack is the only true friend who really enjoys being with Auggie. There are a few other kids who gather around to support Auggie. Only Julian, the popular kid and class bully, turns the rest of the class against Auggie and Jack. But Jack and Auggie will have their day when friendship and kindness rule.
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What I like about this book: Palacio has written a gripping story that is both heartbreaking and funny. The chapters are short and are told in first-person from the viewpoint of each child who interacts with Auggie — which is very raw and revealing. The author has done an excellent job of getting into the mind of each of his characters and letting readers experience their feelings and reactions. We also see how Auggie grows and builds inner strength and courage. Wonder is an excellent book to use in the classroom and encourage kids to talk about differences — visible or invisible. Wonder has been named the by the New York Times as one of the Top Ten Notable Children’s Books for 2012.
Great find, Pat. And I love where they change p.o.v. each chapter. I want to read this, thanks.
Catherine, it really is an important book for both children and adults to read. It ranks among my favorites for the year.
Gosh! What a brave subject. How moving.
Niamh, a deeply moving book.
I read Wonder, and I LOVED it! One of my favorite books of the year!
Yes it ranks as one of my favorites for the year.
This sounds amazing, Pat. Thanks for sharing. I’m definitely going to have to read this one!
Susanna, it is a very powerful story. You would appreciate the writing.
This was my favorite middle grade this year, Pat. I think it is an incredible book, that may well win many awards. Palacio also pulls off the five-person POV exceptionally well!
Joanna, it is a remarkable book! Agree with you — among my favorites for the year.
My favorite MG read this year – giving several copies this Christmas to children AND adults. Can’t say enough wonderful things about it! Moving and unforgettable.
Cathy, it is an unforgettable book.
This one’s been on my tbr list for a while. I’m going to have to get ahold of it soon.
Move it to the top of your list! You won’t regret it.
I’ve seen this mentioned on various lists. Thank you for this review. It sounds like such a valuable book, and so creatively written, as well.
Beth, the writing is brilliant. You’d appreciate how the story unfolds, and the well-developed characters.
Pat you always do such a great job reviewing. Thanks for the heads up.
Thank you Janie. I appreciate you vote of confidence.
I attended a gathering of children, parents, teachers and administrators after a week during which 4,000 children had gone to see the film Bully (we helped pay for transportation for around 100 kids). It was an amazing event, with the best part being one of the kids featured in the film got to speak with those who had gathered and share more of his story. At the end of the event the organizers handed out copies of Wonder, announcing that it was their goal to have every child in San Mateo County read the book in the coming year. I had been gifted with a copy of that very same book that afternoon. When I went home that night I began to read and did not put it down until I had finished it. By far it is one of the best books I have ever read, and it deals with a very complex issue in a powerfully impactful way.
Augie is charming, funny, strong, and quirky and you can absolutely feel the pain he goes through as well as the dignity he manages to carry with him. Getting to view the same events he’s experiencing through the eyes of the other people in his life, though, is what’s most illuminating.
This is a must-read book for children AND adults and richly deserves the praise it has garnered already. Thanks Pat for sharing this book with us all.
Craig,
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful event. I hadn’t heard of the film the “Bully.” I love that so many kids participated and walked away with a copy of this book. You have a very good school system in Mateo County. I think Auggie is symbolic of all children with differences. Should be in evey classroom and required of all 5th graders. Wonder is among my very favorite books this years.
This book is on my wish list to read! We actually have a couple of kids at my school who are much like Auggie. They mostly do pretty well in elementary school but I worry about them when they move on to middle school.
Younger children are so much more caring and accepting. The transition to middle school is hard enough, but add a disability and they become targets. I hope the kids in your school do well.
I love this book!🙂 One of my favorite quotes from Wonder is:
“You know Star Wars stuff?” “Man, I practically invented Star Wars stuff!”😉 (when Auggie gets his hearing aid(s))
I like how the book is told from different people’s points of view.
I loved this book too, Erik. I loved those quotes too! The different POVs really made this book!
Patricia…I have nominated you for the Blog Of The Year Award 2012. There is no obligation to participate or do anything other than accept. You deserve this truly. Please visit me to view.
Thank you Niamh! I appreciate the vote of confidence!
What an excellent book! The change in POV is such a great idea! Auggie is awesome.
BTW, I know an author who will send you a PDF or another copy of her picture book. (I reviewed it yesterday) She just wants a review. She’s trying to get the word out. Interested? Let me know.
Robyn, I’m glad you like this powerful book. It should be a must read in the schools.
This looks wonderful! I’m going to check it out and read it with my son!
Thank you Susan. This book should be required reading for 9-12 year olds and discussed in the classroom. It is among the top 10 books of the year.
I read Wonder this week and LOVED it…especially all the different viewpoints. When the sister’s voice kicked in, it added such depth that I was beyond hooked! Thank you so much for the recommendation!
Susan, I am so glad to know you read the book! It is a powerful book! Should be in every classroom!
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Hi Pat. I hopped on over here from a post at Beth Stilborn’s blog. I’m listening to the audio of Wonder. I love it so much! The audio has different different voices for the different POVs. It’s really great. I’m not finished with it yet, but I can certainly see why it has been named the by the New York Times as one of the Top Ten Notable Children’s Books for 2012. I hadn’t seen the trailer yet. Thanks for including it in your excellent review.
Thank you for stopping and checking out my review. I didn’t realize Wonder is an audio book. I loved it. Heard rumors it may be made into a movie. My other favorite book that is filled with a lot of humor is “Out of My Mind” by Sharon Draper. The girl has cerebral palsy, but it is such a magnificent story and the protagonist has a wonderful sense of humor. Think you’d enjoy that book too.
Oh it would make a wonderful movie! And thanks for telling me about Out of My Mind! It’s an audible book, too! I added it to my wish list. I love to listen to them while I walk🙂