People have stared at August Pullman his entire life. And, unfortunately, not in a good way. You see, Auggie is different. He has a condition that makes his face look all jumbled up, so to speak. Now, starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep school, his first time attending a school outside his home, he is afraid it'll be hard. But Auggie is not a quitter. After some thought, he decides to go. Before school officially starts, he gets a tour by some of the students. Auggie takes an instant disliking to Julian, the rich kid who acts like an angel in front of adults but it a total jerk with kids. Jack, another student leading the tour, is really cool and he and Auggie become fast friends. Auggie also befriends a bright girl named Summer, who doesn't care how Auggie looks. At school, Auggie faces mean name-calling and bullying. Classmates avoid Auggie, even making a game out of it-- whoever touches Auggie and doesn't immediately wash their hands gets the Plague! Luckily, his friends are there to stick up for him. But it gets worse. Soon, a full war has broken out between Julian and his cronies against August and his friends. People begin to realize Julian isn't a great kid, and move to Auggie's side. Nearing the end of the school year, the whole grade goes on a sleep-away field trip. During an outdoor movie night, Auggie and Jack find themselves in a tough situation- but boys previously on Julian's side turn out to be great guys and help and defend Auggie. Through friend troubles, bullying, and people staring at him, Auggie works through life one step at a time, one foot in front of the other. His year has actually turned out to be a great one. Wonder by R.J. Palacio really touched my heart. It was funny, emotional, and just beautiful. Auggie Pullman really is a wonder.
