Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Title: Wonder
Author: R.J. Palacio
Release date: February 14, 2012
Pages: 316

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.

Wonder is the story of August (Auggie) Pullman, a young boy born with a facial deformity who is finally going to a traditional school.  The story is told from multiple points of view including Auggie, his sister, his best friend, and other people somehow connected to Auggie's life.  It's a story about trying to blend in when you were meant to stand out, trying to be brave when you're more afraid than ever, and trying to be ordinary when  you're nothing short of extraordinary.

Wonder is a middle grade novel that is a lot heavier than most middle grade books. It's aimed at readers around Auggie's age (5th grade) but can be read and enjoyed by readers much older.  It's a novel that makes you think and makes you take a deeper look at the world around you.

Themes:

Judgment
Compassion
Friendship
Identity
Courage

Extra content:

Badass Book Reviews' review: "Our world could use a dose self-reflection, and it could use a good size helping of compassion too."

The Well-Read Redhead's review: "This book was obviously written with young adults as the target audience, but as a parent, I also took a lot away from this in terms of the lessons I'd like to teach my kids about accepting and helping others."

Interview with R.J. Palacio