book report on wonder

by R.J. Palacio

• Wonder Summary

August or "Auggie" Pullman, a ten-year-old boy living in New York City, was born with a facial deformity that has made it difficult for him to make friends. He lives with his parents, his older sister Via, and his dog Daisy. He has been homeschooled up until the fifth grade, but his parents have decided that it is time for him to go to a real school. They enroll him in Beecher Prep, a neighborhood private school, and take him to meet the principal, Mr. Tushman . While August is there, some of the kids who will be in August's grade take him on a tour of the school; one of them, Jack Will , is nice, but another, Julian, is noticeably rude.

Auggie settles into the first few months of school and his classmates slowly get used to the way his face looks. He becomes friends with Jack, and with a girl named Summer who sits with him at lunch on the first day. Apparently, a rumor that touching Auggie will give you the "plague" arises, so his classmates make a point of avoiding touching him, so that Auggie begins to feel alienated. Things get a lot worse on Halloween, typically Auggie's favorite day of the year, when Auggie overhears Jack say to Julian and some other boys that he would kill himself if he looked like Auggie. Jack is completely unaware that Auggie himself is sitting nearby, disguised in a Bleeding Scream costume.

The story switches perspective to Via, Auggie's older sister, who begins high school at the same time that Auggie starts middle school. Via has had to come to terms with the fact that her family's universe revolves around Auggie and his needs; hers often get pushed to the side. The only person who put her first was her grandmother, Grans , who is dead by the time the narrative begins.

Via is also dealing with school issues, since her former best friends, Miranda and Ella , stopped talking to her over the summer. Via feels neglected after the first day of school, since her mother appears more concerned with Auggie's day than with hers. A rift continues to grow between Via and her former friends, and Via settles into new group. On Halloween, Via is confused when Auggie comes home early, claiming to be sick and refusing to go trick or treating. He reveals to her what happened with Jack, and she convinces him that some kids will always be mean. Auggie, according to her, must move past such dilemmas and keep going to school. Auggie surprises Via by telling her that Miranda called to talk to him, and asked about her.

Next comes Summer's point of view. Summer spends time with Auggie because she legitimately wants to be his friend, not because Mr. Tushman asked her to. Since Auggie is mad at Jack, Summer becomes his best friend, and their two families hit it off as well. Summer struggles over whether to keep hanging out with Auggie or to hang out with the popular crowd instead, but ultimately chooses Auggie. When Jack eventually asks Summer why Auggie is mad at him, she gives him one clue: "Bleeding Scream."

The next section is told from Jack's perspective, and he backtracks to when Mr. Tushman first asked him to try to be a friend to the new student. He remembers seeing Auggie when they were both very little: at this earlier time, Jack was disconcerted by Auggie's face. Jack also has some struggles at home, since his family is not wealthy -- a sharp contrast to some other families with children in private schools.

When Jack puts two and two together and figures out what Auggie overheard, he feels terrible. He really does want to be Auggie's friend, but he got caught up in an attempt to be accepted by kids like Julian. When Julian tells him one day that being friends with Auggie is not worth it, Jack gets so angry that he punches Julian in the face. This conflict sets off a series of apology letters involving Jack, Mr. Tushman, and Julian, and Jack and Auggie eventually make up and become friends again. When Jack and Auggie return to school after winter break, though, Jack realizes that Julian has turned most of the boys in their grade against them and that a "war" has begun.

The perspective then switches to Via's new boyfriend, Justin , who has just met Auggie. Justin is good for Via, because he makes her feel important and valued. Since his own parents are divorced, Justin also enjoys spending time with the unified Pullman family. Auditions for the school play at his and Via's high school arrive, and he gets cast as the male lead in Our Town , while Via's old friend Miranda gets cast as the female lead with Via as the understudy.

Auggie's perspective comes back for the first time since the beginning of the novel: the situation has gotten better at school as students grow tired of the "war" between Julian and Jack. The Pullman family gets in a fight one day when Auggie realizes that Via has been hiding her involvement in the school play from him. She does not want him to come, because then she would be known once again as the girl with the deformed brother. During the fight, though, the Pullmans' dog Daisy is discovered to be extremely sick. She must be put to sleep, a choice which devastates the family. This loss also makes Via forget about the fight, and the whole family goes to the school play to see Justin. They expect to see Miranda in the lead female role, but then get a shock: Miranda apparently fell sick right before the show, so instead Via performs the lead role, and she does an amazing job.

Miranda gets a chance to tell her story now: she has avoided Via since school started because, during the summer, she told a lot of lies at camp and pretended she had a deformed little brother in order to become popular. She secretly misses Via, though. On the opening night of the play, Miranda has no one there to see her, so after she sees the Pullman family in the audience she fakes an illness so that Via can go onstage instead. This ploy gives Via and Miranda an opportunity to patch up their relationship.

The final section of the novel switches back to Auggie. The fifth grade goes on a retreat at a nature reserve for three days: this is Auggie's first time sleeping away from home. Things go great until the second night, when the students are watching an outdoor movie. Jack and Auggie go into the woods so that Jack can pee; while there, they encounter a bunch of older kids from another school, who make fun of Auggie and try to hurt him. Luckily, three of the boys from Beecher Prep who are usually mean to Auggie -- Henry , Miles , and Amos -- come to Auggie's rescue, although one of the older kids steals Auggie's hearing aids.

This incident makes Auggie extremely popular, however. By the final stages of the novel, almost everyone has at last warmed up to him and wants to be his friend. Things start looking up: the Pullmans get a new puppy, and Auggie learns from Mr. Tushman that Julian will not come back to Beecher Prep the following year. Graduation arrives; Auggie wins a special award for courage and kindness. He realizes how far he has come since the beginning of school, and he now has a solid group of friends and feels comfortable with who he is. The novel ends with his mother whispering in his ear, calling him a "wonder."

Wonder Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Wonder is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

What writing assignment did Mr. Browne give the class?

Mr. Browne says that he will give the class a new precept every month. For the month of September, he tells them to consider: “If you have the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind.”

What are the facts that are more significative for you?

This question calls for your opinion... your reflection on the book. I particularly enjoyed Summer's sections, as they give us a glimpse into what it's like not to be in Auggie's situation, but to learn what it's like for the people closest to...

Why does Justin greet the different members of the family in four different ways? from wonder

This is one of the shorter sections, but Justin's segments are extremely important because they give us our first substantial look at Auggie's family from the outside. Summer and Jack only briefly interacted with the rest of Auggie's family, but...

Study Guide for Wonder

Wonder study guide contains a biography of R.J. Palacio, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About Wonder
• Wonder Video
• Character List

Lesson Plan for Wonder

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to Wonder
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• Wonder Bibliography

Wikipedia Entries for Wonder

• Introduction
• Film adaptations
• Related books

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Moving tale of facially different boy with inner beauty.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Wonder's greatest lessons are more emotional or be

Wonder has a powerful way of reminding readers tha

Almost all of the adults in Wonder are strong role

Main character Auggie has a craniofacial condition

Auggie's friend Jack Will punches another boy. Som

Auggie's high school-age sister, Via, has a boyfri

No curse words, but a lot of hate speech and insul

Auggie and a couple of his classmates come across

Parents need to know that Wonder is about 10-year-old August "Auggie" Pullman, who has a genetic facial difference. After being homeschooled, he enters school for the first time in fifth grade and has to cope with a range of reactions to his unusual appearance, as well as a lot of typical middle school drama…

Educational Value

Wonder 's greatest lessons are more emotional or behavioral than academic. But the book does go into some detail about genetics and the probability of a child developing physical differences like Auggie's. The novel also offers a telling look at middle school life and curriculum and a bit of information about the differences between middle school and high school culture. One of the teachers, Mr. Browne, teaches his students about precepts, and they discuss a new precept every month. Many of these are great life lessons from authors, spiritual leaders, and philosophers.

Positive Messages

Wonder has a powerful way of reminding readers that beauty is only skin deep. The novel also offers lessons about the dangers of responding to peer pressure and the importance of simple human kindness. The precepts that Mr. Browne teaches his students also introduce various meaningful ideas.

Positive Role Models

Almost all of the adults in Wonder are strong role models for Auggie; his sister, Via; and their friends. Auggie's parents, in particular, are so loving, devoted, patient, and kind that their kids' friends wish they could join the Pullman family. Auggie's teachers and Mr. Tushman, the director of Beecher Prep, are caring educators who deftly ease Auggie out of some challenging situations but also let him find his own way socially. Auggie himself shows grace, as well as enough believable kid emotion to make him as convincing as he is admirable.

Diverse Representations

Main character Auggie has a craniofacial condition, and the book centers around his experiences. He's a complex character with realistic kid emotions and flaws. The rest of his family members provide great examples of how to support a loved one living with a visible disability. Though the novel stops short of endorsing disability hierarchy, it does unfortunately use casual ableism when Auggie yells, "I'm not retarded!" (It's never explained to Auggie that this isn't acceptable.) As written by female author R.J. Palacio, women in the book, such as Auggie's mom and sister, have important roles. Characters' ethnicities aren't made clear, but physical markers include Auggie's brown eyes, Via's "olive skin and the bluest eyes," and Mr. Tushman's "blue eyes with white eyelashes," and there are supporting characters with blond and brown hair. A minor character is named Mrs. Garcia.

Did we miss something on diversity? Suggest an update.

Violence & Scariness

Auggie's friend Jack Will punches another boy. Some seventh-grade kids pick on Auggie and his friends, and physically assault them. Kids are pushed, bruised, and scraped, and a child's sweatshirt is torn; the violence in this scene is preceded by verbal abuse, which makes the physical attack especially disturbing. A family experiences the loss of a beloved pet.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Auggie's high school-age sister, Via, has a boyfriend, and they kiss a few times.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

No curse words, but a lot of hate speech and insults. Other children call Auggie an "alien," an "orc," and a "freak"; they slip notes into his locker telling him to "Get out of our school," and they pretend he has a contagious disease that they call the Plague. Auggie himself uses discriminatory language when he yells "I'm not retarded!"

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Auggie and a couple of his classmates come across some seventh-grade kids whom they observe smoking. It's not entirely clear whether they're smoking cigarettes or pot.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Wonder is about 10-year-old August "Auggie" Pullman, who has a genetic facial difference. After being homeschooled, he enters school for the first time in fifth grade and has to cope with a range of reactions to his unusual appearance, as well as a lot of typical middle school drama. Some kids use hateful language, and some people suggest that Auggie is mentally deficient. These situations are upsetting, as are other hardships that Auggie's family endures, including the loss of a beloved family pet. But goodness wins out, and readers should find it inspiring and uplifting. A high school couple kisses a few times, and Auggie observes some seventh-grade kids smoking, but it's not clear whether they're smoking cigarettes or pot. The book was adapted for the 2017 film starring Julia Roberts , Owen Wilson , and Jacob Tremblay . The audiobook version, read by Nick Podehl , Kate Rudd, and Diana Steele, was named a 2013 Notable Children's Recording by the American Library Association.

Where to Read

Community reviews.

• Parents say (59)
• Kids say (273)

Based on 59 parent reviews

Read this! It’s awesome!

What's the story.

August "Auggie" Pullman is a fifth-grade boy with a craniofacial condition. His loving parents and sister have shielded him from many outside influences before WONDER begins, and he's been homeschooled up until that point. But at the start of the book, his mother has decided that it's time for Auggie to brave a group schooling experience. Auggie is upset and afraid to face the other kids' reactions to his appearance, but there's also part of him that wants to do "normal" things. The director of his new school, Mr. Tushman, introduces Auggie to a small group of students before school starts, thinking this will help ease the transition. While some of the students Auggie meets are accepting and kind, others are a bit put off by him, and still others are downright cruel. The novel follows Auggie's first year of middle school from beginning to end. It's a year in which Auggie experiences the best and the worst of human nature and a year of tremendous emotional growth for him.

Is It Any Good?

Auggie himself is a very convincing and poignant character -- definitely not just a device -- and his story is extremely moving and uplifting. Author R.J. Palacio writes Wonder in multiple voices, including Auggie's, some of his friends', and his sister's. The different points of view are mostly very well-realized and show the inner feelings of the different characters -- though a couple of aspects of Wonder don't ring fully true. Auggie's parents are almost too perfect to be believed, and the main mean kid in the novel is a bit too easily dispensed with.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about peer pressure and how it's portrayed in Wonder . Sometimes we feel pushed to reject someone -- even a friend -- because others don't like that person. How would you handle the situation that Jack Will faces?

Why do you think some people are cruel to Auggie?

If you wrote a precept -- like Mr. Browne's class does -- what would it be?

Do you think Auggie's parents did the right thing in sending him to school? Why, or why not?

In what ways does Wonder encourage compassion ? Which characters seem the most compassionate to you? Why is this an important character strength ?

Book Details

• Author : R.J. Palacio
• Genre : Coming of Age
• Topics : Brothers and Sisters , Friendship , Great Boy Role Models
• Character Strengths : Compassion
• Book type : Fiction
• Publisher : Alfred A. Knopf
• Publication date : February 14, 2012
• Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
• Number of pages : 320
• Last updated : November 9, 2023

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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Reviews of Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Summary | Excerpt | Reviews | Beyond the book | Read-Alikes | Genres & Themes | Author Bio

by R.J. Palacio

Critics' Opinion:

Readers' Opinion:

• Young Adults
• Mid-Atlantic, USA
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• Contemporary
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• Coming of Age
• Physical & Mental Differences
• Top Books of 2012

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About this Book

Book summary.

Wonder is a spare, warm, uplifting story that will have readers laughing one minute and wiping away tears the next.

Winner of the BookBrowse 2012 Best Book for Younger Readers Award

I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse. August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school - until now. He's about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, and if you've ever been the new kid then you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, despite appearances? R. J. Palacio has written a spare, warm, uplifting story that will have readers laughing one minute and wiping away tears the next. With wonderfully realistic family interactions (flawed, but loving), lively school scenes, and short chapters, Wonder is accessible to readers of all levels. Ages 8+

Ordinary 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. If I found a magic lamp and I could have one wish, I would wish that I had a normal face that no one ever noticed at all. I would wish that I could walk down the street without people seeing me and then doing that look-away thing. Here's what I think: the only reason I'm not ordinary is that no one else sees me that way. But I'm kind of used to how I look by now. I know how to pretend I don't see the faces people make. We've all gotten pretty good at that sort of thing: me, Mom and Dad, Via. Actually, I take that back: Via's not so good at it. She can get really annoyed when people do something rude. Like, ...

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BookBrowse Awards 2012

Media Reviews

Reader reviews, bookbrowse review.

Wonder rings its bell, and the note that reverberates in the air slips effortlessly into the reader's body. It hangs there, and the reader can't help but be changed. It is a meditation of a novel. A story that asks the reader to feel her way into kindness, empathy, and openness. And without a doubt, the reader, upon experiencing it, responds with a deep, resounding yes . Wonder is recommended for middle grade and young adult readers. It is a perfect book to open up discussions between students or book club members... continued

Full Review (602 words) This review is available to non-members for a limited time. For full access, become a member today .

(Reviewed by Tamara Ellis Smith ).

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Beyond the Book

R.j. palacio's inspiration for wonder.

Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse. This is Auggie's statement on page one of Wonder about the appearance of his face. R.J. Palacio (whose real name is Raquel Jaramillo... Palacio is her mother's last name) makes a very conscious choice not to explore Auggie's disfigurement head-on, and I think it's a good one. Instead, she allows the reader to create her own images and then, very slowly and from a slanted sort of angle, Palacio gives details. Because at the heart of issue is, well, Auggie's heart, and that is all that matters. I don't want to dishonor Palacio's choice, but I will give you a bit of information about Auggie's condition. He has something called Mandibulofacial Dysostosis , which is more typically known as ...

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• Genres & Themes

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By Maria Russo

• April 6, 2012

Born with several genetic abnormalities, 10-year-old August Pullman, called Auggie, dreams of being “ordinary.” Inside, he knows he’s like every other kid, but even after 27 surgeries, the central character of “Wonder” bears facial disfigurations so pronounced that people who see him for the first time do “that look-away thing” — if they manage to hide their shock and horror.

“Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse,” he says of his face as the book begins. He’s used to the stares and mean comments, but he’s still terrified to learn that his parents have gotten him into middle school at Beecher Prep and want him to go there rather than be home-schooled. But they persuade him to give it a try — and by the time this rich and memorable first novel by R. J. Palacio is over, it’s not just Auggie but everyone around him who has changed.

Stories about unusual children who long to fit in can be particularly wrenching. At their core lurks a kind of loneliness that stirs primal fears of abandonment and isolation. But Palacio gives Auggie a counterweight to his problems: He has the kind of warm and loving family many “normal” children lack. Among their ­— and the book’s — many strengths, the Pullmans share the, um, earthy sense of humor that all kids love. Over the years his parents, Nate and Isabel, have turned the disturbing story of Auggie’s birth into high comedy involving a flatulent nurse who fainted at the sight of him, and they persuade him to go to Beecher by riffing hilariously on the name of the school’s director, Mr. Tushman. It also helps that the Pullmans’ world — they live in a town house in “the hippie-stroller capital of upper Upper Manhattan” — is the privileged, educated upper-middle class, that hotbed of parents who hover and micromanage the lives of their perfectly fine children. It’s somehow weirdly satisfying to see what happens when something actually alarming enters this zone of needless anxiety. Palacio carves a wise and refreshing path, suggesting that while even a kid like August has to be set free to experience the struggles of life, the right type of closeness between parents and children is a transformative force for good.

But it’s Auggie and the rest of the children who are the real heart of “Wonder,” and Palacio captures the voices of girls and boys, fifth graders and teenagers, with equal skill, switching narrators every few chapters to include Auggie’s friends and his teenage sister, Via, who wrestles with her resentment, guilt and concern. “We circle around him like he’s still the baby he used to be,” she observes ruefully. And we see the vicious politics of fifth-grade popularity played out as the class bully targets Auggie and starts a campaign to shun him, culminating in an overnight school trip that turns scary and shuffles the social deck in ways no one could have imagined.

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Wonder, by R.J. Palacio | Book Review

Book Review of Wonder The Children’s Book Review

Written by R.J. Palacio

Ages 10+ | 320 Pages

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers | ISBN-13: 978037586902

What to Expect: Disabilities, Self-Esteem, and Kindness

Kindness is an outstanding trait we all possess, so long as we choose to access it. It is an essential aspect of being human.

In the captivating, award-winning New York Times bestselling novel Wonder by R.J. Palacio, the theme of exhibiting kindness is explored in an inspiring way. The story revolves around a 10-year-old boy named August Pullman living with rare facial deformities. Auggie, as he is affectionately called, yearns to be accepted for who he is and not judged based on his looks. Due to having had 27 surgeries, both big and small, and lots of illness, August (Auggie), up until now, has been home-schooled.

Through Palacio’s vivid writing, readers journey through Auggie’s first year in school and see through the eyes of fifth-grade classmates and his sister, guiding us through valuable insights into the process of accepting someone different from us. Wonder is a heartwarming tale of bravery, love, and kindness. It is a call to action for us to strive towards our best selves and to choose kindness in every situation. This powerful and inspiring book has been a global phenomenon, with Auggie’s story inspiring a growing movement of compassion and empathy toward others.

Reading Wonder will undoubtedly help you embrace its message and become a part of this growing movement.

Buy the Book

About the author.

R. J. Palacio was born and raised in New York City. She attended the High School of Art and Design and the Parsons School of Design, where she majored in illustration with the hopes of someday following in the footsteps of her favorite childhood author-illustrators, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Maurice Sendak , and the D’Aulaires . She was a graphic designer and art director for many years before writing Wonder .

We’re All Wonders , which is based conceptually on the themes of her novel, represents the fulfillment of her dream to write and illustrate her own picture book. R.J. is also the author of Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories and 365 Days of Wonder: Mr. Browne’s Book of Precepts . She lives in Brooklyn, where she is surrounded by magical water towers, with her husband, their two sons, and their two dogs, Bear and Beau.

Learn more about her at https://wonderthebook.com/about or on Twitter at @RJPalacio .

What to Read Next if You Love Wonder

• Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories, by R. J. Palacio
• 365 Days of Wonder: Mr. Browne’s Book of Precepts, R. J. Palacio
• Out of My Mind , by Sharon Draper

Bianca Schulze reviewed  Wonder . Discover more books like Wonder by reading our reviews and articles tagged with disabilities , self-esteem , kindness , and family .

• X (Twitter)

Bianca Schulze is the founder of The Children’s Book Review. She is a reader, reviewer, mother and children’s book lover. She also has a decade’s worth of experience working with children in the great outdoors. Combined with her love of books and experience as a children’s specialist bookseller, the goal is to share her passion for children’s literature to grow readers. Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, she now lives with her husband and three children near Boulder, Colorado.

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Reading Ladies

Wonder [book review].

October 27, 2017

***This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

Heart, Heroes, and Humor…

You were probably an ordinary kid.

Did you ever experience a terrifying first day in a new school?

Consider Auggie. He feels ordinary inside but no one else sees him as ordinary. As he expresses:

“Kids don’t scream and run away if you’re ordinary….they don’t stare.”

This is the advice 10-year-old August Pullman receives from his parents on the first day of school:

“There are always going to be jerks in the world, Auggie,” she said, looking at me. “But I really believe, and Daddy really believes, that there are more good people on this earth than bad people, and the good people watch out for each other and take care of each other.”

Because the movie Wonde r releases in theaters on November 17, 2017, it seems timely to read or reread and review.

Movie Trailer here.

Wonder by R. J. Palacio

Genre/categories: Middle grade through adult contemporary fiction,  growing up, difficult discussions, family life, friendship, compassion, character traits

On the inside, ten-year-old August Pullman feels very ordinary. But as he says, ordinary kids don’t make other kids run away screaming and they don’t get stared at wherever they go. Auggie was born with a rare genetic abnormality that affected the formation of his face. Because of extensive surgeries and an attempt to protect him from cruelties of the outside world, Auggie’s parents have homeschooled him. The reader meets 5th grade Auggie as he’s being enrolled in a traditional school for the first time. Will he be accepted? Will he find friends? Will he find a hostile or friendly environment? How will adults in his life support him? The story is told from six perspectives (August, Via–his older sister, Summer–a friendly caring peer, Jack–a student leader who struggles in his role as a friend, Miranda–his sister’s best friend and a close family friend, and Justin–Miranda’s boyfriend) plus a bonus chapter from Julian’s point of view (Auggie’s nemesis).

Amazon (October) Rating: (an amazing) 4.9 Stars

My Thoughts:

If you plan to see the movie, don’t miss out on reading the book first!  It’s an easy, engaging, thoughtful, inspirational, and meaningful read with valuable discussion possibilities for the entire family. Wonder on DVD .

As we venture to school with Auggie, we feel his daily apprehension and celebrate his courage and determination. Even though he thinks of himself on the inside as an ordinary kid, we know he doesn’t look ordinary and his severe facial abnormality could cause him to be the object of unkind actions by his peers and to experience bullying.

Throughout Wonder , the narrative changes perspectives with each chapter. This helps us get a 360 degree understanding of Auggie’s world and also allows us to see the nice circle of people who care for him and support him. In addition, it allows the reader to understand that everyone battles something. Because this is written for a children’s audience, it does have a happy ending where ‘good” people are rewarded and the “bad” get their punishment. I like that there is an epilogue (extra chapter) in the current version of the book that follows Auggie’s nemesis Julian and we see how Julian changes and grows in empathy and compassion

Wonder takes a dramatic turn when Auggie overhears his friend Jack’s derogatory remarks about him; he is discouraged and devastated, and everything changes as he has to fight to rebuild what he’s lost. Through these authentic middle-grade voices, we learn about true friendship, risk, and the importance of kindness.

I especially admire Auggies’s English teacher who each month presents the idea of precepts to live by and encourages students to write their own…an example of a precept he presents is “When given the choice between being right or kind, choose kind.” In an attempt to establish the habit of writing precepts as a lifelong practice, he encourages students to email their precepts to him in the years after graduation. Auggie’s 5th-grade precept is “Everyone in the world should get a standing ovation once in their lives because we all overcometh the world.”

The following is a sampling of the types of quotes you will find from the adults in the story:

“Kinder than necessary,” he repeated. “What a marvelous line, isn’t it? Kinder than is necessary. Because it’s not enough to be kind. One should be kinder than needed. Why I love that line, that concept is that it reminds me that we carry with us, as human beings, not just the capacity to be kind, but the very choice of kindness. And what does that mean? How is that measured? You can’t use a yardstick. It’s like I was saying just before: it’s not like measuring how much you’ve grown in a year. It’s not exactly quantifiable, is it? How do we know we’ve been kind? What is being kind, anyway?” “….If every single person in this room made it a rule that wherever you are, whenever you can, you will try to act a little kinder than is necessary–the world really would be a better place. And if you do this, if you act just a little kinder than is necessary, someone else, somewhere, someday, may recognize in you, in every single one of you, the face of God.” “It’s not just the nature of kindness, but the nature of one’s kindness. The power of one’s friendship. The test of one’s character. The strength of one’s courage–” 

Don’t miss out on this inspirational story filled with heart, heroes, and humor and which inspired the Kindness Movement . I expect that Wonder will become a beloved classic in upper-grade classrooms and in family libraries. Highly recommended for every reader who believes in the power of teaching through a story and for every family who is in the process of building empathy, compassion, and kindness. Wonder would make a great parent/child buddy read. I believe good literature and timeless themes can be enjoyed by all ages!

“Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings, propel us, on occasion, to greatness.”

My rating: 4.5 stars (rounded to 5)

Wonder Information Here.

There is an additional book, Auggie & Me . It’s not a sequel, rather a companion read and an extension of Auggie’s world with three additional points of view.

More Information about Auggie & Me Here.

The Kindness Movement and Sign the Pledge Here.

The author interviews kids about kindness here.

Wonder Movie Trailer here.

Wonder on DVD .

Meet the Author, R. J. Palacio

R. J. Palacio was born and raised in New York City. She attended the High School of Art and Design and the Parsons School of Design, where she majored in illustration with the hopes of someday following in the footsteps of her favorite childhood author-illustrators, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Maurice Sendak, and the D’Aulaires. She was a graphic designer and art director for many years before writing Wonder. We’re All Wonders, which is based conceptually on the themes of her novel, represents the fulfillment of her dream to write and illustrate her own picture book. R.J. is also the author of Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories and 365 Days of Wonder: Mr. Browne’s Book of Precepts. She lives in Brooklyn, where she is surrounded by magical water towers, with her husband, their two sons, and their two dogs, Bear and Beau. Learn more about her at rjpalacio.com or on Twitter at @RJPalacio.

I’m curious if you’ve read Wonder !

Do you have children that have read it? I’d love to hear your (or their) reflection.

Do you plan to see the movie ?

How do you feel about teaching character traits such as empathy and kindness through literature?

What are you reading this week?

Happy Reading Bookworms!

“Ah, how good it is to be among people who are reading.” ~Rainer Maria Rilke

“I love the world of words, where life and literature connect.” ~Denise J Hughes

“Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad ones.” ~Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

“I read because books are a form of transportation, of teaching, and of connection! Books take us to places we’ve never been, they teach us about our world, and they help us to understand human experience.” ~Madeleine Riley, Top Shelf Text

In my last post, I indicated that I would read and review If the Creek Don’t Rise . I did read it; however, I decided that Wonder would be the primary focus of my review this week so that I can encourage you to read it before the movie releases. Here’s my brief review of If the Creek Don’t Rise .

 If The Creek Don’t Rise by Leah Weiss

Genre/categories: Historical Fiction, Small Town, Rural, Appalachia, Hillbilly Culture

Young Sadie Blue lives in the North Carolina mountain town of Baines Creek and suffers abuse at the hands of her drunken husband, Roy Tupkin. When a new teacher comes to town, Sadie begins to think of finding her voice and of a life that doesn’t include Roy.

Amazon Rating: 4.5 Stars

Harsh and hard realities of life in this remote Appalachian community make If the Creek Don’t Rise a gritty and sobering read. Young Sadie Blue is pregnant, abused, mistreated, and struggling to find her voice. Only a few chapters are from Sadie’s POV. The story is told from multiple viewpoints giving readers a good perspective of her life and the hillbilly community. Some characters offer hope and healing while others are despicable. Sadie does find her voice in a way that surprised me (but maybe it shouldn’t have given her situation and the hillbilly culture). As a teacher, I hoped to learn more about the new teacher’s contribution to the youth of the community….I’m always looking for hope and redemption in a story….but after the teacher’s strong introduction, she fades into the background of the story. This is also disappointing because she is important to Sadie. Overall, I enjoyed the read and the excellent writing; however, it’s not a read that everyone would enjoy. It’s gritty and a bit dark but certainly an impressive debut novel. I would encourage you to read additional reviews.

My Rating: 4 Stars

If the Creek Don’t Rise Information Here.

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17 comments.

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[…] My Full Review Here […]

[…] I’ve heard enthusiastic reviews! It’s on my weekend “must do” list. See my book summary and review here. Movie trailer […]

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[…] Full Review and Amazon Information Here. […]

[…] Full Review Here Amazon Information Here Movie Trailer Here […]

[…] Wonder by R.J. Palacio Genre: Fiction (Categories: physical differences, kindness, compassion, acceptance) My Rating: 5 Stars Wonder has been positively reviewed by parents, teachers, and children,  it inspired the national “Choose Kind” campaign, and many of you have seen the movie. However, if you haven’t read the book, I think it’s a must read experience for everyone! This easy to read, engaging, and thought-provoking read paves the way for grand discussions and builds compassion and empathy…..I believe that the best teaching occurs within the context of a story. My full review here. […]

[…] Wonder falls into the category of “A Must Read For Everyone.” The themes of kindness, compassion, and acceptance are universal. (review) […]

[…] Auggie and Jack in Wonder by R.J. Palacio (my review) […]

[…] Mercy), Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud (Refugee), Billie Jo (Out of the Dust), Louis (Unbroken), Augie (Wonder), Rahima (The Pearl That Broke Its Shell), Ada (The War That Saved My Life, The War I Finally Won), […]

[…] Wonder falls into the category of “A Must Read For Everyone.” The themes of kindness, compassion, and acceptance are universal. (my review) […]

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[…] Continue reading my review of Wonder to see what I loved…. […]

[…] by Starlight by Sharon Draper (racism, prejudice), Refugee (12+) by Alan Gratz (refugee crisis), Wonder by R.J. Palacio (physical differences), Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai (scroll down page for review) […]

[…] Wonder by R.J. Palacio (compassion, acceptance, kindness) My review of Wonder here. […]

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Wonder by R. J. Palacio: Book Review By Jess Lahey and Her Son, Ben

Wonder is a transformative book. Our reviewers, Jess Lahey, author of the forthcoming The Gift of Failure and a frequent contributor to the New York Times and The Atlantic , and her son, Ben, a sophomore at St. Johnsbury Academy in Vermont, tell us why it is a must read.

Previous review: Book Review For Teens: John Green Looking for Alaska

TEEN REVIEW | Ben Lahey

August Pullman, the main character of Wonder by R. J. Palacio, is only 10 years old, but his story engages readers of any age. August was born with a severe facial deformity that leaves him unable to attend school, until the fifth grade, when his family decides it’s time for him to try to give up homeschooling .

Wonder tells the story of August’s first year of school through his own eyes, as well as the eyes of four other characters. The narrators range from fifth graders to high schoolers, with different points of view that flesh out not only their individual personalities, but also how August touches the lives of those around him. Even though the story is told from different perspectives, it’s never confusing; August always remains the book’s focus and is never overshadowed by their insights and observations.

Palacio uses few details to describe August’s deformity, but those that he does use are shocking. With only our imagination to complete the picture, we are left with a shocking image in our minds. August himself says, “I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse.”

The characters don’t deal with August’s deformity easily. Even months after first meeting him, August’s classmates are still not used to his face. The class becomes split between August’s friends and the kids who still bully him. Every character is written convincingly, and the sides they take earn either our empathy or judgment.

And Palacio doesn’t shy away from showing how parent-teacher politics play into this “war,” as August calls it. It’s easy to hate the parents and their kids who are so uncomfortable with August that they want him removed from the school. It’s equally as easy to love those kids who befriend August.

Wonder’s  emotional moments work because the reader is so fully attached to the characters. Palacio makes every moment of August’s life seem real. Even the hardships that most of us will never have to face. Wonder  comes close to making us understand what the life of someone with a deformity such as August’s would be like, and that is no small feat.

ADULT REVIEW | Jess Lahey

Despite his first-sentence assertion, “I know I’m not an ordinary 10-year-old kid,” August Pullman is just that. He’s a gloriously, spectacularly, and reassuringly ordinary 10-year-old kid. Sure, this central character in the coming-of-age novel, Wonder  by R. J. Palacio, may not look like most kids his age, but he sure sounds a lot like them. And this is the genius of Palacio’s storytelling.

I’ve never been a fan of shifting perspectives, mainly because the narrative style feels like a cop-out, as if the author does not possess the storytelling chops to deliver the story’s nuances through a single narrator. This is August’s story, after all, and August is the only person who understands what it’s like to face the big, bad world when all the world sees is his disfigured face. The story is rightly his to tell, from his unique perspective, in his distinctive voice.

How wrong I was.

Tweens and adolescents tend to believe that they are the sole arbiters of the truth. Palacio demonstrates this by using five characters—August, Jack, Summer, Via, and Justin—to narrate their own version of August Pullman’s fifth grade year.

While Wonder  is August’s story, Via, August’s sister points out that his gravitational pull influences everyone. “August is the Sun. Me and Mom and Dad are planets orbiting the Sun. The rest of our family and friends are asteroids and comets floating around the planets orbiting the Sun.”  August may be at the center of this book’s universe, but he’s certainly not alone. As I progressed through the orbiting accounts of August’s year, I began to understand that Palacio’s use of multiple perspectives does not separate the experiences of these children. It unites them.

To paraphrase Beecher Prep Middle School Director, Mr. Tushman, the attraction of August’s heart, and the people he carries up and holds in orbit around it, are the stars of this story. When the story came to an end, and I fully appreciated what had, at first glance, been invisible to me. I was happy to have been drawn in to Palacio’s expansive vision.

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'Wonder' Book Review

R.J. Palacio's Novel of Bullying and Acceptance

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"Wonder," R.J. Palacio's debut novel, was written for children 8 to 12 years old, but its message defies genres . Published in 2012, its anti-bullying, pro-acceptance message will resonate with teenagers and even adults as well.

Some books are action-packed, compelling the reader to turn the page to find out what happens next. Other books are compelling because they invite readers to engage with characters who are real, who come alive off the page, and who pull the reader into their story. "Wonder" is the latter kind of book. In fact, very little "action" happens within its pages, and yet readers will find themselves deeply affected by the story.

August Pullman (Auggie to his friends) is not an ordinary 10-year-old boy. He feels like one and has the interests of one, but his face is not ordinary at all. In fact, it's the type of face that scares kids and makes people stare. Auggie is pretty good natured about it all. This is the way he is, after all, and while he doesn’t like that people stare, there’s not much he can do about it.

Because his face has required many reconstructive surgeries, Auggie has been homeschooled . But there are no more surgeries to be done for a while, and now August’s parents think it’s time that he goes to mainstream school, beginning with fifth grade in the fall. The idea of this terrifies Auggie; he knows how people react to seeing him, and he wonders if he will be able to fit in at school at all.

He bravely gives it a go, but finds that it’s much like he expected. Many of the children laugh at him behind his back, and someone has started a game called the Plague, in which people “catch” a “disease” if they touch Auggie. One boy, Julian, leads the bullying attacks. He’s the sort of kid whom adults find charming, but in reality, he is quite mean to anyone not in his circle of friends.

Auggie does make two close friends: Summer, a girl who actually likes Auggie for who he is, and Jack. Jack started out as Auggie’s “assigned” friend, and when Auggie finds this out, he and Jack have a falling out. However, they patch things up at Christmas, after Jack gets suspended for hitting Julian for badmouthing Auggie.

This leads to a “war," with the popular boys against Auggie and Jack. While nothing more than mean words, in the form of notes in the lockers, fly between the two camps, the tension between them lasts until the spring. Then there's a confrontation between a group of older boys from a different school and Auggie and Jack at a sleep-away camp. They are hopelessly outnumbered until a group of boys who were formerly against Auggie and Jack help defend them from the bullies.

In the end, Auggie has a successful year at school, and even makes the Honor Roll. In addition, the school gives him an award for courage, which he doesn't understand, musing, “If they want to give me a medal for being me, I’ll take it.” (p. 306) He sees himself as ordinary, and in the face of everything else, he really is just that: an ordinary kid.

It‘s the straightforward, non-sentimental manner in which Palacio approaches her topic that makes this such an excellent book. Auggie might have an extraordinary face, but he's a regular kid, and that makes him relatable, in spite of his challenges. Palacio also shifts her point of view, telling the story through the eyes of characters other than Auggie. This allows the reader to get to know characters like Auggie's sister, Via, who talks about the way her brother takes over the family’s life. However, some of the other viewpoints—especially of Via’s friends—feel somewhat unnecessary and bog down the middle of the book.

The power of the book likes in how Palacio creates such a normal, relatable character from a boy living with such an extraordinary physical affliction. Even though "Wonder" is recommended for children ages 8 through 12, the book's themes of identity, bullying, and acceptance make it interesting reading for a wide audience as well.

About R.J. Palacio

An art director by profession, R. J. Palacio first thought of the idea for "Wonder" when she and her children were on vacation. While there, they saw a young girl who had a condition similar to Auggie’s. Her children reacted badly, which got Palacio thinking about the girl and what she goes through on a daily basis. Palacio also thought about how she could have better taught her children to respond to situations like this.

The book inspired Random House to start an anti-bullying campaign, called Choose Kind , with a site where people can share their experiences and sign a pledge to stamp out bullying. There you can also download an excellent Educator Guide for Wonder to use at home, or with a community grouop.

Companion Book

"Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories ," also by R. J. Palacio, is a 320-page collection of three stories, each told from the point of view of one of three characters from "Wonder": the bully Julian, Auggie’s oldest friend, Christopher, and his new friend, Charlotte. The stories take place prior to Auggie’s attending school and during his first year there.

This book is neither a prequel nor a sequel to "Wonder"—in fact, Palacio has made it clear that she does not plan to ever write either. Instead, this book is meant as a companion for those who have already read "Wonder" and want to extend the experience by learning more about Auggie's impact on the people around him.

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R. J. Palacio

Ask litcharts ai: the answer to your questions.

August introduces himself to the reader. He's ten years old, and though he feels normal, he wishes he had a "normal" face. He declines to describe what his face looks like, insisting that it's probably worse than whatever the reader is imagining. August has been homeschooled his entire life because he's had so many surgeries. However, one day in the spring, August overhears Mom and Dad talking about sending August to middle school. August is upset and doesn't want to go, but he agrees to try. When August and Mom tour Beecher Prep, the principal, Mr. Tushman , introduces August to three students. August is terrified—he hates meeting kids his own age because they often are purposefully mean. Mr. Tushman introduces August to Jack , Charlotte , and Julian and then sends the kids to look around the school. Charlotte and Jack are nice, but Julian is rude and tries to make August feel bad and unwelcome. After August and Mom get home, August tells her about some of Julian’s mean comments. She's horrified and doesn't want August to go to school, but August and Dad insist that he should still try.

Mom, Dad, and August's older sister, Via , walk him to school on his first day. Jack sits next to August in all their classes. Julian is still mean to August, though the teachers don't notice. At lunch, August sits alone until a girl named Summer sits down with him. After school, August tells Mom that his day was okay, which surprises her. August struggles in school all through September, especially when he realizes that kids are scared to touch him. However, he and Jack become good friends.

For Halloween, August decides to go as Boba Fett from Star Wars . Halloween is his favorite holiday because he gets to wear a mask and feel like a normal kid. On Halloween morning, however, he decides to wear last year’s Bleeding Scream costume to school instead. August feels amazing in his costume until he gets to homeroom. There, he overhears Jack telling Julian that if he were August, he'd kill himself. Since August’s classmates are still anticipating him arriving as Boba Fett, no one knows that he is the one in the Bleeding Scream costume, listening to every word of the mean conversation. August runs out crying, goes home, and skips school the next day.

Via takes over the narration and explains that in her family, August is the center of the universe. She doesn't ask for much from her parents because she knows that August needs the attention more. Via has always been protective of August, but she didn't realize how much she wants to be normal until a month-long visit with Grans a few years ago. On that visit, Grans told Via that she was looking out for her, since August has enough angels looking out for him. Grans died two months later.

Via says that she loved middle school because she had her two best friends, Miranda and Ella , and not many kids knew about August. Miranda was always nice to August and even bought him his space helmet that he wore constantly until it disappeared. Now that the girls are in high school, Miranda is very different. She's changed her hair and clothes and treats Via like she's not a real friend. On the first day of school, Via is so hurt she takes the subway home alone rather than let Miranda's mom drive her. Via eventually makes some new friends and develops a crush on a boy named Justin .

Grans died the night before Halloween, so Via feels very sad on Halloween morning. Dad is in a bad mood and makes Via cry, so Mom suggests that she and Via stay home. However, their morning at home has barely begun when Mom gets a call from Beecher Prep that August is sick and needs to be picked up. Via is shocked later when August insists he's too sick to go trick-or-treating. Finally, he confides in her about what Jack said. Over the weekend, Via convinces August that he needs to go back to school.

Summer begins to narrate and says that she sat with August on the first day of school because she felt bad for him, but she discovered quickly that he's a lot of fun. He's still interested in playing games like foursquare instead of "hanging out" and talking about crushes. After a few weeks, a classmate tells Summer about a game the class is playing called the Plague , which states that kids have thirty seconds to wash their hands after touching August or they catch the Plague. This is why nobody will play with August and Summer.

Savanna , the most popular girl in school, invites Summer to a Halloween party. At the party, Summer understands immediately that Savanna invited her to intimidate her and try to get her to stop spending time with August, so Summer calls her mom to come pick her up. At lunch on Monday, August tells her what Jack said on Halloween but swears her to secrecy. Later that month, Jack approaches Summer and asks why August is ignoring him. Summer just tells him, "Bleeding Scream."

Jack jumps back to the month of August when his mom got a call from Mr. Tushman, asking if Jack would be willing to show August around the school. Jack refused, which made Jack's mom very mad. Jack recalls the first time he saw August—he jumped and made a surprised noise. His babysitter, Veronica , whisked Jack and his little brother, Jamie , away before they could make the situation worse. She told Jack that he doesn't need to be actively mean to hurt someone's feelings. When he hears Jamie being mean to August, Jack thinks about what Veronica told him and changes his mind about meeting August. After a few weeks of school, Jack realizes that August is actually really cool: he lets Jack cheat off his homework, and he's funny. He's perplexed when August starts icing him out after Halloween, and has no idea what Summer's "Bleeding Scream" comment means. Right before winter break, however, Jack realizes what she meant. He feels sick that August heard him saying such mean things, when he only wanted to impress Julian.

When Julian taunts Jack a little later, Jack punches him. Mr. Tushman suspends Jack. Julian's mom writes Mr. Tushman and asks that August not be allowed at school, as she thinks it's too much to ask to ask "regular" kids to be nice to him. Mr. Tushman refutes this. Jack also apologizes to August over text, and August forgives him. They return to school in January to discover that none of their classmates will talk to them. Charlotte tells Jack that Julian has begun a war, which mostly entails ignoring Jack until he decides to drop August.

The narration switches to Justin, Via's boyfriend. He meets August the first time he goes over to Via's house, and he tries not to be shocked by August. Mr. Davenport , the theater director, casts Justin in the leading role of Our Town , the spring show, and Miranda gets the female lead. One afternoon, Mom asks Justin to walk Jack to the bus. Justin thinks that Jack is too small to be running around by himself, and vows to be more protective when he has kids one day. He watches Julian, Miles , and Henry bully Jack, and after Jack gets on the bus, he tells them to leave Jack alone. The next day at rehearsal, Justin learns that Miranda and Via used to be good friends. He's shocked, but when he brings it up to Via, she cries and admits that she hasn't told her parents about the play because she doesn't want them to bring August. She loves being at a school where nobody knows about him.

August resumes his narration in February, which is the worst month for the war. Julian leaves mean notes in August's locker, but August refuses to report them. By March, kids start to lose interest, and former bullies like Amos even start standing up to Julian. August gets hearing aids about this time, something that horrified him until he realized how well he could hear with them. After spring break, Mom and Via fight when Mom finds out that Via didn't tell her about Our Town . At dinner, when August asks if they'll all go, Mom tries to tell him it won't be interesting. August realizes they're trying to exclude him and yells at her to not treat him like a baby. He runs to his room and hides until Via bursts in, yelling that he needs to come say goodbye to their dog, Daisy —she's very sick and has to be put down. That night, August watches his family members grieve and then puts himself to bed instead of waiting to be tucked in. A few days later, August sits with Mom and Dad in the audience to see Our Town . They're all shocked when Via, who was cast as an understudy, performs as the female lead instead of Miranda.

Miranda explains that at summer camp, she started talking about August as though he was her own brother, which boosted her popularity immensely. She also got a makeover at camp and looked like a popular girl by the time school started. She and Via stopped being friends, but she signed up for theater to be in the same class with her. On the play’s opening night, Miranda's parents don’t show up, so she feigns illness and allows Via to perform since her whole family is there. Afterwards, she finds August and his parents, and they invite her to dinner. She feels happier than she has in a long time.

August explains that all the fifth graders go on a nature retreat for two nights at the end of the year. August loves the first two days of the nature retreat, especially because Julian decided not to attend. On the final night, Beecher Prep joins two other schools at an outdoor movie. At one point, Jack and August run into a group of bullies from another school. The bullies taunt August and don't even seem deterred when Amos, Miles, and Henry try to stand up for August and Jack. After a brief but traumatizing fight, Amos, Miles, and Henry lead August and Jack far away to escape. August realizes that he lost his hearing aids in the tussle and cries, but the boys comfort him kindly and then walk him back to the movie.

The next day, after Mom picks August up, he asks her if he'll always have to deal with jerks. She insists that there are more good people than bad in the world. A few days before school gets out, Mr. Tushman calls August to the office to explain that he found the bullies, though August refuses to press charges.

The day of the fifth grade graduation ceremony. On the way there, Dad admits that he threw away August's space helmet. August is livid, but soon forgives his dad. At the ceremony, Mr. Tushman gives a speech about the importance of kindness and then presents awards. August receives the Henry Ward Beecher Medal for bravery and kindness and revels in his standing ovation. Afterwards, he lets his parents and his friends' parents take photos of him and all his classmates. On the walk home, August thanks Mom for making him go to school.

By R. J. Palacio

In Auggie's attempt to fit in school with his facial deformities, we explore the idea that kindness brings us to see humans beyond superficial differences.

About the Book

Article written by Ebuka Igbokwe

Bachelor's degree from Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

‘ Wonder ’ is a 2012 coming-of-age book written by R. J. Palacio. The novel follows August ‘Auggie’ Pullman, a ten-year-old boy with a facial deformity that challenges his social life and relationships when he begins school. The author handles the themes of friendship, kindness, social acceptance, and isolation deftly and sympathetically. It is a successful book that has received favorable reviews , sold millions of copies, spawned sequels and offshoots, and has been adapted into a movie.

• Title: Wonder
• Published: 2012
• Literary Period: Contemporary
• Genre: Young Adult Fiction
• Point of View: Multiple characters, First person
• Setting: Manhattan, New York, United States
• Climax: Auggie receives a recognition award in school

R. J. Palacio and Wonder

The story of ‘ Wonder ’ was borne from an experience R. J. Palacio had with a deformed child at an ice cream shop when she was in the company of her sons on a trip. The reactions of her children and the child’s mother had Palacio wondering what sort of social life the child and her mother would have. From these ruminations, the inspiration for the novel came to R. J. Palacio.

R. J. Palacio was born in New York City to Columbian immigrant parents. She attended the High School of Arts and Design in Manhattan and Parsons School of Design before spending a year at the American University of Paris. She was an illustrator doing book cover designs before she published her first novel, ‘ Wonder ’ in 2012. She has since published other books, including ‘ Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories ’ and ‘ 365 Days of Wonder: Mr. Browne’s Book of Precepts ’. She lives with her husband and two sons in North Carolina.

‘ Wonder ‘ is an inspiring novel that follows the life of August Pullman, a ten-year-old boy with a facial deformity, who navigates the challenges of attending school for the first time. The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, offering insights from August, his sister Via, and friends like Jack Will and Summer. The story beautifully explores themes of kindness, acceptance , and the resilience of the human spirit. The novel has captivated young readers with its powerful message that beauty goes beyond physical appearances, emphasizing the importance of empathy and the impact of small acts of kindness.

Books Related to Wonder

These are also books related to ‘ Wonder ’ written by the same author

• ‘ Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories ’ is a companion novel to ‘ Wonder ’. Published in 2014, this book offers readers an opportunity to delve deeper into the lives of some of the supporting characters from the original story, providing additional perspectives and insights.
• ‘ 365 Days of Wonder: Mr. Browne’s Book of Precepts’ is another companion book by R. J. Palacio, released in 2014. This book is inspired by the character Mr. Browne, Auggie’s English teacher in ‘ Wonder ’, who introduces his students to precepts—words to live by. This book presents readers with daily precepts to inspire and encourage positive thinking.
• ‘ The Little Prince ‘ by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is a timeless novella that weaves a whimsical and philosophical tale. The story follows a young prince who is lonely on his planet, where his only friend is a rose, and travels from his planet to Earth, meeting various unique characters and learning profound life lessons. The Little Prince explores themes of friendship, love, and the nature of human relationships through encounters with a fox, a rose, and other universe inhabitants. This beloved classic shares insights into life and invites readers to embrace the innocence and wonder of childhood while reflecting on the book’s profound truths.
• ‘ Mockingbird ‘ by Kathryn Erskine is an emotionally resonant novel about Caitlin, a young girl with Asperger’s syndrome. After the tragic loss of her brother, who helped her make sense of the world, Caitlin struggles to understand the complexities of emotions, empathy, and human relationships. The story unfolds as Caitlin embarks on a journey to understand “closure” and find the sense of closure that has eluded her. Guided by her counselor, Mrs. Brook, Caitlin learns about empathy, friendship, and the healing power of art. This novel is a heartfelt exploration of resilience, compassion, and the beauty that can emerge from the most unexpected places.

The Lasting Impact of Wonder

One of the novel’s enduring impacts is its ability to initiate conversations about inclusivity and acceptance. ‘ Wonder ‘ catalyzes discussions on diversity, disability, and the societal tendency to judge individuals based on appearances. August’s journey becomes a mirror reflecting our prejudices, prompting readers to reconsider their perceptions and approach differences with empathy rather than judgment.

The character of August Pullman is an influential figure, representing resilience and the triumph of the human spirit. Readers connect with August’s challenges, triumphs, and moments of vulnerability, fostering a sense of shared humanity. The novel effectively dismantles stereotypes and misconceptions about people with facial differences.

Schools and educational institutions have embraced the novel as a valuable tool for promoting empathy and anti-bullying initiatives. The book’s themes align with critical educational goals, encouraging students to embrace diversity, cultivate kindness, and stand against discrimination. Teachers have integrated it into curricula as a springboard for discussing compassion and respecting others.

Furthermore, the novel has extended its impact beyond literature, inspiring the creation of initiatives and campaigns centered around kindness and acceptance. The Choose Kind movement, inspired by the book, encourages individuals to perform acts of kindness and create a more compassionate world. This ripple effect has reached communities globally, emphasizing the transformative power of literature to drive positive social change.

This novel has also received several awards and honors for its impactful storytelling and positive impact. In addition to being a New York Times Best Seller, ‘ Wonder ‘ won the Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children’s Book Award, Maine Student Book Award, Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Book Award, and the California Young Reader Medal for Intermediate Grades.

In 2017, ‘ Wonder ’ was adapted into a movie. Directed by Stephen Chbosky, the film stars Jacob Tremblay as August and Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson as August’s parents. The adaptation retained the novel’s emotional depth and poignant messages, captivating audiences with its powerful portrayal of acceptance, empathy, and the beauty of kindness.

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90 pages • 3 hours read

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Summary and Study Guide

Wonder is a middle-grade novel written by R.J. Palacio and published in 2012 by Alfred A. Knopf. The novel is a #1 New York Times Bestseller and also a major motion picture. Though multiple narrators tell the tale, the plot centers around August “Auggie” Pullman , a 10-year-old kid who has a genetic condition called mandibulofacial dysostosis that has left his face misshapen. People stare and judge him by his looks, but Auggie tries not to let it bother him. He feels like a normal kid on the inside and wishes others would get to know him for who he is. Auggie’s life of relative isolation is upended when he transitions from homeschooling to attending Beecher Prep Middle School. He faces bullying and discrimination, because of his appearance, as well as the routine trials of growing up .

At the beginning of the story, Auggie believes he’s just like any other kid, though he acknowledges that other kids don’t cause people to run away screaming. He’s only 10 years old when the narrative begins, and Auggie has already undergone 27 surgeries to try to correct various issues related to his genetic condition. While Auggie claims he’s used to people staring at him wherever he goes , his sister, Olivia “Via” Pullman is not; she gets visibly upset. Auggie’s fortitude to face public opinion is put to the test when he learns that he has been accepted to Beecher Prep—and that his parents expect him to attend.

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Though Auggie initially feels like his parents have betrayed him, he agrees to go to school. The challenge this decision presents is significant. The other students jeer and stare at Auggie. Even some teachers reveal shock upon seeing him. Auggie takes it all in stride because he’s used to it. He makes a new friend, Jack Will; he and Jack Will sit next to each other in practically every class, providing some relief from his status as an outcast. Auggie also befriends Summer Dawson , a kind girl who sits with him at lunch when no one else will. Summer and Auggie connect over their shared sense of playfulness and wonder; unlike many of their peers, the two still play games and want to dress up for Halloween. Though Auggie has made friends, he also makes a powerful enemy in Julian . And, as the school year progresses, Julian not only bullies Auggie relentlessly but also creates an environment where others can act unkindly to Auggie.

On Halloween—Auggie’s favorite holiday because no one judges him for what he looks like—he overhears Jack Will badmouthing him to Julian while he is disguised in a costume. Auggie’s fragile world comes tumbling down with this betrayal, and he stops going to school. Eventually, Via convinces him not to let the bullies win. Auggie returns to school and later learns that Jack Will stood up for him against Julian by punching Julian in the face. Auggie and Jack Will eventually make up. Julian turns the entire class against Jack Will for this offense, but Summer, Auggie, and Jack Will grow closer as friends. Eventually, other students grow tired of Julian’s bullying. When the class goes on a spring retreat and a group of older kids assault Auggie, he finds that he has more friends than he realizes. People stand up for him and protect him, and soon the entire school is on Auggie’s side. Afterwards, Julian loses his support network when everyone chooses to be kind to Auggie.

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Auggie receives an award during graduation for exhibiting quiet strength and inspiring kindness throughout the schoolyear. Now, everyone knows him for who he is as a person and not for what he looks like. His mother explains that there will always be bad people in life but that the good people outweigh the bad. Auggie’s schoolyear is a testament to this. At the end of the narrative, Auggie’s mom thanks him for being such “a wonder” to everyone in his life.

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Wonder Hardcover – February 14, 2012

• Book 1 of 1 Wonder
• Print length 320 pages
• Language English
• Grade level 3 - 7
• Lexile measure 790L
• Dimensions 5.69 x 1.13 x 8.56 inches
• Publisher Knopf Books for Young Readers
• Publication date February 14, 2012
• ISBN-10 0375969020
• ISBN-13 978-0375869020
• See all details

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com review, about the author, excerpt. © reprinted by permission. all rights reserved., product details.

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ 0375869026
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Knopf Books for Young Readers; 1st edition (February 14, 2012)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0375969020
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0375869020
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 9 - 11 years, from customers
• Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 790L
• Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 7
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14.4 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.69 x 1.13 x 8.56 inches
• Best Sellers Rank: #723 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books )

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About the author

R. j. palacio.

R. J. Palacio was born and raised in New York City. She attended the High School of Art and Design and the Parsons School of Design, where she majored in illustration with the hopes of someday following in the footsteps of her favorite childhood author-illustrators, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Maurice Sendak, and the D’Aulaires. She was a graphic designer and art director for many years before writing Wonder. We’re All Wonders, which is based conceptually on the themes of her novel, represents the fulfillment of her dream to write and illustrate her own picture book. R.J. is also the author of Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories and 365 Days of Wonder: Mr. Browne’s Book of Precepts. She lives in Brooklyn, where she is surrounded by magical water towers, with her husband, their two sons, and their two dogs, Bear and Beau. Learn more about her at rjpalacio.com or on Twitter at @RJPalacio.

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Customers say

Customers find the content understanding and clear, with relatable characters. They also find the comedy interesting and funny. Readers say the book is great for all ages, with school and family issues they can relate to. They describe the themes as heartwarming, with a broader view. Customers also mention the emotional tone as heart wrenching at times, with hopeful themes. They praise the book as incredibly well written, with short sub-sections. They mention the plot as suspenseful, classic, and wonderful.

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Customers find the themes in the book heartwarming, teaching them to be kind to everyone. They also say it's loaded with life lessons that resonate long after they finish reading it. Readers also mention that the book gives a great look into the minds of people affected by disabilities, and that it'd make a good book for teachers.

"...Finally, the book is filled with moments of wonderful insight ...." Read more

"...A great story of acceptance , finding your own strengths and those of others. A lesson to be kind and to stand up for others...." Read more

"...This book has such a profound message that we all can learn from it’s inspiring that I wanted to look at it everyday ." Read more

"... So many life lessons for the little (and not so little) ones in this book. Give it a read!" Read more

Customers find the book incredibly well written, quick, and easy to read for adults and kids in the 10-12 age group. They also say the multiple narrators and their believable voices make the book highly readable. Customers also mention that the book is simple, filled with short sub-sections, and difficult to read aloud.

"...Wonder is a brisk, accessible read because it is presented in the form of the thoughts of the characters, with no extended, meandering narration to..." Read more

"...The real draw of the story is that it is masterfully written and totally engaging...." Read more

"...The movie is a little easier to follow because it carries the story straight through rather than jumping between different narrators, but, while..." Read more

"This was a wonder to read!I thought every scene was well written . The story had me captivated. I laughed and I even got teary-eyed!..." Read more

Customers find the book interesting and full of joy. They also say it's a sweet, emotional read that's memorable and timeless. Customers also say the book is popular and well-written.

"...some advantages: he is a smart, capable student, and has a sharp sense of humor that delights those who bother to get to know him...." Read more

"...It is funny at times , but I also cried at least twice while reading. I read the entire book in one sitting...." Read more

"...Everyone said it was popular , and I was surprised, because of the difficult topic...." Read more

"...R.J. Palacio wrote Wonder very well and I really liked the book. The book made me feel like I was in the setting with the characters...." Read more

Customers find the book great for all ages, emphasizing family values, personal choices, and the power of the human spirit. They also say it has lots to learn about social skills, kindness, compassion, and school and family issues that they can relate to. Readers also mention that the book opens discussion about how people are different and each person's role in standing up to bullying.

"...I think this book is particularly good for children , but also adults, because each chapter is told from a different point of view...." Read more

"Wonder is one of those special books that can be enjoyed by all generations ...." Read more

"...It's a very high-level subject presented in a kid-friendly format ..." Read more

"Wonder, is a must read for all age levels , because it can relate to several different situations where one may feel lost, as if the world is against..." Read more

Customers find the emotional tone of the book heart wrenching, sad, and serious at times. They also say it makes them happy, sad and angry, and hopeful.

"...Three words to describe Wonder would be exciting, inspiring, and very emotional ...." Read more

"...The story is engaging, descriptive, emotional at times , and truly heartwarming. I teared up at several parts, both happy and sad...." Read more

"...What follows is a beautiful, heart-breaking , terrifying, and funny tale about an extraordinary kid, bullying, and, ultimately, the wondrous power of..." Read more

"...This is one of the most depressing moments of the book ...." Read more

Customers find the characters in the book relatable and realistic. They also say that everyone in the story seems ordinary, except for the main protagonist.

"...I read the entire book in one sitting. Palacio does a great job of building the characters in the book and making you care about them...." Read more

"...It’s an amazing story. They enjoyed the different perspectives from the characters ." Read more

"...The depth of character exploration , the intricate narratives, and the touching moments woven into the pages made the story come alive in a way the..." Read more

"...the author managed to write a very compelling story that depicted character depth in both Auggie and his social circle...." Read more

Customers find the content of the book engaging, descriptive, emotional, and honest. They say it allows for understanding and stimulates powerful conversations about appropriate responses. Readers also say the story is easy for them to relate to and connect with. They also mention that the moral is clear and the author never came across as preachy or judgmental.

"... It isn't preachy , though the moral is very clear right from the start...." Read more

"...That makes him easier to relate to ...." Read more

"...the book also demonstrates how acts of tolerance, acceptance, understanding , and empathy can lead to a healthy school environment...." Read more

"...The story is engaging, descriptive , emotional at times, and truly heartwarming. I teared up at several parts, both happy and sad...." Read more

Customers find the plot very suspenseful, with a cliffhanger. They also say the answer is interesting and the book reads easily. Readers say the book tells a classic story of whether love, tolerance, and acceptance can overcome. They say the main character's struggles are real, accessible, and universal.

"...That's the way I felt while reading this -- it read so easily, almost inevitably , as though somehow the story arose from some universal shared..." Read more

"...This book helps to explain and eradicate fear of the unknown , thus creating a more accepting world for people with facial differences...." Read more

"...mean ‘goodbye’?”(page 220)This was a very suspenseful part and it was a cliffhanger !..." Read more

"...A few critics didn’t like it, saying that “it's just not a totally believable story ,” and that “none of the characters ring true.”..." Read more

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