Wonder

Wonder

By R. J. Palacio

1862 ratings 4024 reviews 2746 followers
Interest LevelReading LevelReading A-ZATOSWord Count
Grades 4 - 7Grades K - 1Guided Reading: V n/a73053

Over 6 million people have read the #1 New York Times bestseller WONDER and have fallen in love with Auggie Pullman, an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face. 

The book that inspired the Choose Kind movement.

I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse.

August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. WONDER, now a #1 New York Times bestseller and included on the Texas Bluebonnet Award master list, begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance.

"Wonder is the best kids' book of the year," said Emily Bazelon, senior editor at Slate.com and author of Sticks and Stones: Defeating the Culture of Bullying and Rediscovering the Power of Character and Empathy. In a world where bullying among young people is an epidemic, this is a refreshing new narrative full of heart and hope. R.J. Palacio has called her debut novel “a meditation on kindness” —indeed, every reader will come away with a greater appreciation for the simple courage of friendship. Auggie is a hero to root for, a diamond in the rough who proves that you can’t blend in when you were born to stand out.

Publisher: Galaxy
ISBN-13: 9781471350504
ISBN-10: 1471350509
Published on 8/5/2013
Binding: Paperback

Book Reviews (3823)

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This book was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!!!! My teacher cried when his dog died though. Poor August...

really? I don't think it was that sad though

"Wonder" by R. J. Palacio tells the story of ten-year-old August. The boy was born with a face that horrifies most who look upon it. Over the years, he had countless surgeries, so he was home-schooled. Now, he's about to enter the fifth grade in a regular school. This story is told from his perspective as well as from his sister's, her boyfriend's and friends' perspectives. August goes to check out the school before he attends, and he meets some students. Two are nice, but one is somewhat mean to him. The first day of school is all right. Most people don't want to be near him, but his new friend, Jack, stays near him during classes. A girl named Summer joins him at lunch. Even though many of the kids stay away from him and seem scared to touch him, August enjoys school. He's a good student and excels in his classwork. Halloween is Auggie's favorite holiday. With everyone in costume, his face is covered, and he's as close to "normal" as he ever gets. During his first Halloween at school, he overhears Jack tell the others that he doesn't really want to be friends with Auggie. This puts a distinct rift in the relationship. As Auggie struggles to fit in socially at school, his sister is trying to figure out who she is and where she stands at home and in high school. Her old friends have left her, and she has a new boyfriend. Jack realizes that Auggie overheard what he said, and he misses his friend terribly. They make up and become friends again, although the other kids start being mean to Jack as a result of the friendship. The entire fifth grade goes on a retreat, and while they are there, strange kids bully Auggie. Several of his classmates stand up for him, and it creates a new bond among them. Word gets out around school regarding the situation, and everyone begins to get along. Auggie fits in like he never has before. Other kids see how smart and funny he is. Meanwhile, back at home, Via is learning a lot about herself and her own capacity to love. She reconnects with Miranda, her former friend, and also reconnects with Auggie. The two had spent less time with each other as they struggled with the changes in their lives. At the end of fifth grade, Auggie and his classmates celebrate their graduation. It's a joyous time, and Auggie shows that he is really growing up. The principal talks with the people at the graduation about the importance of being kinder than necessary. He emphasizes the power of friendship. When it's time to give out awards, Auggie gets the most prestigious award. Everyone cheers him on and gives him a standing ovation. On the way to a party, he thanks his mom for making him go to school. She thanks him for being such a wonder.

On the way to his graduation party, he thanks his mom for making him go to school and she thanks him for being such a wonder. That's my favorite part of the book.

Best book EVER Best book EVER

Beautifully written. Go rj!

Tsunami22 Tsunami22

I've never read it but everyone tells me its so gooooooooood! I think I should read it.

annalol1313 annalol1313

i love this book

i love this book so much!!!!!!!

I 💜 this book 😉😍😄

This is one of those mind-blowing books I've read. It is so detailed and some parts can make you cry and laugh. This book is simply amazing

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