Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Amy     
Lynnie  

young adult

Wonder by R.J. Palacio is the story of August, a boy born with facial deformities, who is attending school in a classroom for the first time in 5th grade. It is told from the viewpoint of several characters who, together, paint the complete picture for the reader.

Amy's Review

I loved this book which I read for book club! It’s really geared for middle-schoolers, I think, but it’s worth the read for all ages--and what a pleasure to read it was. Chapters are broken up into small chunks (for the benefit of the young reader, I presume) which worked perfectly for pacing. The characters are so understandable and loveable (or not) and I appreciate the way the book deals with the issues of equality, adversity, and humanity. It’s a quick read and has a lot of heart. I recommend it!

Lynnie's Review

This is a book every middle or high schooler should have to read- to remind them once in a while that sometimes you have to look beneath the surface to figure out what's going on in the world.

The story of August Pullman & his first year in real school- middle school no less (is there any worse torture?) is told from a variety of perspectives- his own, his sister's, his first real friends'... and it's a quick but brilliant tale. Auggie's acceptance of who he his and the inevitable reaction others have to him, is really what makes the entire story work.

I took issue with one section- the one narrated by Via's boyfriend Justin. When you get there, I'm sure you can figure out why. It detracted from what was, until then, a well-flowing book.

Is the book a bit preachy? Probably. But it's a wonderful story with characters that it's hard not to love.