Wonder

I simply love this book and read it at least once a year. It’s in the YA genre, and I am more like an MAA (middle-aged adult) but the main character, Auggie Pullman, and his friends and family are so enticing that I’m drawn in every time.

Auggie has an incredibly rare facial deformity and when we first meet him, he’s off to school for the first time. The book is written with a light touch and from many different voices, something the author pulls off with aplomb. It’s notoriously difficult to get away with multiple narrators, but this really… show more.

Just an overall, very well-written middle-grade story about a family and a boy who’s different.

He has a special condition that makes him look and learn differently. He would be considered to have special needs in society. But in this story his family and extra love of his mother makes him feel like he is no different than anyone else, and he has his own unique abilities where he stands out. They help him to discover that about himself.

Ironically, through his own unique abilities and talents, he ends up inspiring so many others around him. His disabilities are in… show more.

How does ten-year-old August Pullman go about getting everyone to overlook his severe facial malformation, so they can get to know him as an otherwise normal kid?

Auggie’s charm grew on me a lot faster than it did with his classmates, setting Auggie up for disappointments and betrayal. I loved how other brilliant characters, like the English teacher with the precepts, Auggie’s amazing family, or his best friend, help him through some dark times. It was touching to see how Auggie’s very rare condition impacts everyone who cares for him.

I believe that the brilliance of this story should be… show more.

In a society that puts so much emphasis on looks, what can you do if your appearance attracts immense negative attention? This is the problem ten year-old Auggie must deal with due to a genetic condition that disfigured his face. There are two kids in his class brave enough to be his friend, but at great cost to their own acceptance.

This story is authentic in its portrayal of the emotional roller coaster a child like this endures. Auggie so wants to fit in, but being “normal” is never going to happen. But then is “normal” the only value marker… show more.

This book took me from fits of hilarity to wells of sadness to fist-clenched anger. It’s not easy being a kid, and in 10-year-old-Auggie’s case, it’s much harder than most. Auggie is clever and witty, but born with a severe facial deformity that propels most to keep their distance. Taking extraordinary to new levels, this book feels like an embrace, like a warm bowl of soup, like a letter of affirmation that life is real and we are real and maybe that means we should be a little more kind to the people around us. Read this story if you… show more.

August Pullman does not look like an ordinary kid. He is different… unique. But is different really a bad thing? To answer, no. This book is all about finding your own path and embracing your true colors. It is a touching story full of the most extreme highs and the lowest of lows. Wonder is told from the different perspectives of the characters, all of whom have their own side of the story to share. Each character has their own unique personality and makes the book truly memorable for readers. As the characters attempt to point out, this story represents… show more.

After having been homeschooled all his life because of the medical complications of a severe facial deformity, Augie is enrolled in an actual middle school. Despite his unusual circumstances and many ups and downs, he makes lots of friends—even a best friend—and brings the entire school community together. This middle-grade novel features chapter headers designed by the author, who is also an illustrator and designer. A gorgeous book!

I think we’ve all been that person who sees someone different and because of our own worries, our own fears, our own self-consciousness, our own desire to be “better”, we shy away. Or worse, we actively engage, but in hurtful ways. The book Wonder is a good reminder of that. And also a good test. Would we be Julian or Jack? Would we call August a freak, or stand up to the bully? That question is worth asking. A reminder of the importance of acceptance, of asking for help, and of understanding. 

A boy who was born with a facial deformity goes to fifth grade after years of being homeschooled due to multiple surgeries. What fuels the development of children’s friendships is being able to imagine other people’s perspectives. This book is written from different kids’ points of view. It explores courage, acceptance, bullying, betrayal, and loyalty. Aimed at ages 8-12.