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, a #1 New York Times bestseller, 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.
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, who proves that you can’t blend in when you were born to stand out.
Join the conversation: #thewonderofwonder, #choosekind
#1 New York Times bestseller
USA Today bestseller
Time Magazine’s 100 Best Young Adult Books of All Time
New York Times Book Review Notable Book
Washington Post Best Kids’ Book
“In a wonder of a debut, Palacio has written a crackling page-turner filled with characters you can’t help but root for.” –Entertainment Weekly
“Rich and memorable.” –The New York Times
“A beautiful, funny and sometimes sob-making story of quiet transformation.” –Wall Street Journal
Amazon Best Books of the Month for Kids, February 2012: Wonder is a rare gem of a novel–beautifully written and populated by characters who linger in your memory and heart. August Pullman is a 10-year-old boy who likes Star Wars and Xbox, ordinary except for his jarring facial anomalies. Homeschooled all his life, August heads to public school for fifth grade and he is not the only one changed by the experience–something we learn about first-hand through the narratives of those who orbit his world. August’s internal dialogue and interactions with students and family ring true, and though remarkably courageous he comes across as a sweet, funny boy who wants the same things others want: friendship, understanding, and the freedom to be himself. “It is only with one’s heart that one can see clearly. What is essential is invisible to the eye.” From The Little Prince and R.J. Palacio’s remarkable novel, Wonder.–Seira Wilson
Every Child above the age of 9 should read this book! First – Parents need to know that Wonder is about young boy, August Pullman, who has a congenital facial abnormality who has to cope with a range of reactions to his unusual appearance. Some kids use hateful language, and some people suggest that Auggie is mentally deficient. However, goodness wins out, and readers should find it inspiring and uplifting. Author R.J. Palacio writes the book in multiple voices — Auggie’s, some of his friends’, his sister’s — and the different points of view…
My son is like Auggie and this book is incredible. My 5th grader has craniofacial anomalies and I feel that this book could not have been better written. RJ Palacio caught Auggie’s voice so well and captured his challenges and strengths so beautifully that I still can’t believe that she doesn’t have a child who is living this life. I’m not going to try to summarize the story as many other reviewers have done that – I just want to talk about the emotional resonance of the work.
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING BOOK! ABSOLUTELY AMAZING BOOK!!! Please disregard all reviews less than 5 stars! This book should be required reading for every human being who lives on the planet! I’m a 54 year old grandfather who served in the Marine Corps (just for a little context). I’m not an emotional person but this book was incredibly moving. R. J. Palacio…I can’t believe how she so accurately and consistently pegs human nature. The book is a “novel” – yeah right! This is real life! This is truly like it is. If you…