book review of wonder

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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18 comments.

[…] Review Here. […]

[…] 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 […]

[…] […]

[…] 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) […]

[…] Wonder by R.J. Palacio […]

[…] 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. […]

[…] Wonder, R.J. […]

[…] of parents). I do not recommend for MG readers. Disappointing considering it’s the author of Wonder. Not […]

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By R. J. Palacio

This novel is a heartwarming tale of kindess and empathy and a boy with a facial deformity making friends and growing to self-acceptance.

•  August's journey from insecurity to self-acceptance is deeply moving and relatable.
• Multi-narrative structure with diverse perspectives enrich the story
• The novel effectively develops the themes of kindness, empathy, and acceptance.
• The development of the plot is predictable
• The tone is overly didactic
• The antagonist is underdeveloped; there is no visible motive for his actions

Bottom Line

"Wonder" is a heartwarming and impactful novel that emphasizes the importance of kindness and acceptance. While it can be predictable and didactic, its strong character development and powerful themes make it a memorable read, particularly for young audiences. The book’s message of empathy and inclusivity resonates long after the final page, making it a valuable addition to contemporary young adult literature.

Rating [book_review_rating]

Continue down for the complete review to Wonder

Article written by Ebuka Igbokwe

Bachelor's degree from Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

It is bad enough that August Pullman is born with a disfiguring disease that deforms his face, makes hearing difficult, and has him needing twenty-seven surgeries before the age of ten to give him a chance at life. It is undoubtedly worse to have him begin school and face discrimination at the hands of his classmates, Julian in particular. Thankfully, he has his family and a couple of friends like Summer and Jack Will, who care for and support him.

R. J. Palacio , the author of ‘ Wonder ,’ was inspired to write this novel from experience in her life. She stopped at an ice cream stand on a trip to see an out-of-town friend with her two sons. Sitting with her mother, there was a girl with a facial deformity. Her younger son began to cry. Palacio hurried her children away. Reflecting on the incident, she believed she could have handled it better. It also made her wonder what sort of life the little girl faced if this reaction was typical.

In “ Wonder “, August Pullman has Treacher-Collins Syndrome , a congenital craniofacial disease that leaves him deformed, and frequent hospitalization keeps him out of school. But he is finally ready to begin school in the fifth grade. He has received shocked stares and discrimination based on his looks, but this happens differently in school. However, he makes a few friends, like Summer Dawson and Jack Wills, and he has the understanding, empathy, and support of family and perseveres. School bully Julian Albans is particularly malicious, calling him names and instigating classmates to avoid him and treat him as a pariah. Soon enough, however, more of his classmates recognized him for the bright, funny, and brave boy he was.

The central premise of “ Wonder” is emotionally charged and unique. The story follows August Pullman, a young boy with facial deformities, as he navigates the challenges of attending public school for the first time. This premise immediately captures readers’ attention and sets the stage for a narrative exploring themes of acceptance and empathy.

The plot is emotionally engaging and uniquely portrays individuals’ difficulties with visible differences. For example, when August first arrives at school, he encounters a range of reactions from his classmates, from curiosity and fear to outright bullying, particularly by Julian, who leads a campaign to ostracize him. The novel’s trajectory is somewhat predictable, as readers anticipate that his peers will eventually accept August. This predictability is exemplified in the novel’s climax when August wins the Henry Ward Beecher medal, a symbolic moment that marks his acceptance and recognition by his school community.

While the plot is heart-warming, it can also feel idealized. Conflicts are often resolved in a manner that might not reflect the complexities of real life. For instance, the reconciliation between August’s sister, Via, and her friend, Miranda, is handled quickly, with little exploration of the underlying issues that caused their estrangement. Similarly, August’s transformation from an outcast to a beloved figure at school happens rapidly, which might strike some readers as overly optimistic.

Wonder explores several significant themes, including kindness, acceptance, bullying, and the challenges of living with a disability. The novel strongly emphasizes the power of kindness, as seen in the way characters like Summer Dawson and Jack Will choose to befriend August despite the social risks involved. Summer’s decision to sit with August at lunch on his first day is a pivotal moment that sets the tone for the novel’s message about the importance of empathy.

The theme of acceptance is central to the novel, as August struggles with his desire to be seen as “ordinary” despite his extraordinary appearance. This theme is reflected in August’s words when he says, “I know I’m not an ordinary ten-year-old kid… I do ordinary things. I feel ordinary inside. But I know ordinary kids don’t make other ordinary kids run away screaming in playgrounds.”

Palacio’s treatment of themes like kindness, social acceptance of those living with disabilities, and bullying in schools in “ Wonder ” shows a keen feeling for contemporary social issues. Interestingly, she handles the issues with faith in our humanity as the best address for them, rather than advocating for policy intervention by the government or school disciplinary bodies. Being kind is Palacio’s simple solution; she trusts it will make a significant impact.

However, the treatment of the themes of “ Wonder ” can be a bit on the nose and lack subtlety. For example, the precepts introduced by Mr. Browne, such as “When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind,” are moralizing. The message is driven with the force of a crusader, and the characters are only vehicles for delivering a piece of moral instruction. The book can also be criticized for romanticizing the fact of living with disabilities to tell an inspirational tale.

“ Wonder ” excels in presenting characters from diverse backgrounds. The range of characters , each with their personalities and perspectives, enriches the storytelling and allows readers to gain insights into different lives and experiences.

August is a compelling protagonist whose internal struggles and outward challenges make him relatable to readers of all ages. His growth from a shy, insecure boy to a more confident individual is one of the novel’s most rewarding aspects. This transformation is highlighted in moments such as when August bravely decides to attend the school’s nature retreat, despite his fears of being ostracized.

Supporting characters like Via, Summer, Jack, and Julian add depth to the story. Via’s perspective provides insight into the challenges of siblings of children with disabilities. Her internal conflict is poignantly expressed when she reflects on the need to step out of August’s shadow and be seen as more than “the sister of the boy with the deformed face.”

Jack Will’s character undergoes significant development as well. Initially, he befriends August out of a sense of duty. Still, he eventually comes to genuinely care for him, as seen in his defense of August during the altercation with older students at the retreat. Jack’s journey from being influenced by peer pressure to standing up for what is right adds another layer of complexity to the novel.

Julian, the primary antagonist, is somewhat less developed. Although his role as the school bully is essential to the plot, his motivations are not explored in depth, making him appear more as a symbol of cruelty than a fully realized character. His actions, such as starting the “Plague” game to avoid touching August, are extreme, but his character lacks the nuance to explain why he behaves this way.

Palacio’s writing style in “ Wonder ” is accessible and engaging, making it an enjoyable read for a wide audience. The use of multiple narrators, including August, Via, Summer, Jack, and Miranda, provides a well-rounded perspective on the novel’s events. This multi-narrative structure allows readers to understand the impact of August’s presence on those around him, and it adds depth to the story by offering insights into each character’s inner world.

The first-person narrative is conversational, which creates a sense of intimacy between the characters and the reader. August’s voice, in particular, is authentic and relatable, filled with humor and resilience despite his hardships. For example, his self-deprecating humor is evident when he quips, “I’m used to not fitting in. The way I see it, I’m not ordinary and neither are you.”

However, the dialogue can sometimes become overly didactic, especially in scenes where characters deliver moral lessons. Mr. Tushman’s speech at the end of the novel, for instance, while uplifting, reads more like a sermon than a natural conversation. This can detract from the realism of the interactions.

The novel’s structure, divided into sections narrated by different characters, effectively maintains the reader’s interest and provides a comprehensive view of the story. The pacing is generally well-balanced, with moments of tension, such as August’s first day at school or the confrontation at the nature retreat, interspersed with quieter, more introspective scenes.

However, the narrative occasionally slows down, particularly during lengthy dialogues or when certain moral themes are reiterated. For instance, while meaningful, the scenes involving Mr. Browne’s precepts can feel repetitive, slowing the story’s momentum.

The setting of “ Wonder ” primarily focuses on Beecher Prep, a typical middle school that serves as the backdrop for August’s challenges and triumphs. The school environment is portrayed with authenticity, capturing the dynamics of preteen social interactions, cliques, and the struggles of fitting in. This setting is relatable for the novel’s target audience and evokes memories of school life for older readers.

Palacio’s attention to detail in depicting the school’s atmosphere, from the cafeteria to the hallways, adds to the novel’s realism. The nature retreat setting also provides a significant turning point in the story, where August’s classmates begin to see him in a new light, further solidifying the novel’s themes of acceptance and friendship.

One of the strengths of “ Wonder ” is its character development, particularly with August, whose growth from insecurity to self-acceptance is compelling. Also, the multi-narrative structure enriches the story by providing diverse perspectives, deepening the reader’s connection with the characters. The novel’s themes of kindness, acceptance, and empathy are positive and powerful, offering hope and guidance to kids.

On the minus side, the plot can be predictable, following a familiar arc of an ugly duckling turning into a beautiful goose, and it is very formulaic. While impactful, Palacio’s treatment of themes can be overly didactic, with moral lessons presented in a way that leaves little room for interpretation. Finally, some characters, especially the antagonist Julian, feel underdeveloped, serving more as symbols than fully realized individuals with believable motives.

“ Wonder ” profoundly impacts its readers by highlighting the importance of kindness, acceptance, and empathy in the face of adversity. The novel encourages readers to look beyond outward appearances and embrace the humanity in everyone, making it a poignant and relevant read for all ages. Its success in fostering discussions about inclusivity and kindness, particularly through the Choose Kind movement, underscores its significant cultural and social impact. Despite its predictability and didactic approach, “ Wonder ” is a memorable and powerful novel that resonates with worldwide readers.

Wonder: A Message to Choose Kindness

Book Title: Wonder

Book Description: 'Wonder' by R. J. Palacio follows the story of August Pullman, a ten-year-old boy with facial disfigurement, as he faces the challenges of attending a regular school for the first time. Through August's and other characters' experiences, the novel explores themes of empathy, acceptance, and how kindness has the power to transform people and society, and leaves readers with the profound message of the importance of seeing people beyond their pyhysical appearances.

Book Author: R. J. Palacio

Book Edition: First Export Edition

Book Format: Paperback

Publisher - Organization: Alfred A Knopf

Date published: July 1, 2014

Illustrator: Tad Carpenter

ISBN: 9780553509977

Number Of Pages: 315

• Writing Style
• Lasting Effect on Reader

Wonder Review

‘ Wonder ‘ by R. J. Palacio is didactic but relatable, and tells about disability in a warm and inviting tone, easy prose and with personable characters. This makes for a very pleasant read for children.

• Light and easy read
• Emotionally stimulating
• Multi-perspective storytelling
• Romanticizes disability
• Too neatly resolved conflicts

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About Ebuka Igbokwe

Ebuka Igbokwe is the founder and former leader of a book club, the Liber Book Club, in 2016 and managed it for four years. Ebuka has also authored several children's books. He shares philosophical insights on his newsletter, Carefree Sketches and has published several short stories on a few literary blogs online.

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Facing Up to It

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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.

While I sobbed several times during “Wonder,” my 9-year-old daughter — who loved the book and has been pressing it on her friends — remained dry-eyed. She didn’t understand why I thought Auggie’s situation might upset her. “I like kids who are different,” she said. I realized that what makes her cry are stories in which children suffer because they have missing or neglectful parents and no one to take care of them. Perhaps Palacio’s most remarkable trick is leaving us with the impression that Auggie’s problems are surmountable in all the ways that count — that he is, in fact, in an enviable position.

By R. J. Palacio

315 pp. Alfred A. Knopf. $15.99. (Middle grade; ages 8 to 12)

Maria Russo is a frequent contributor to the Book Review.

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