Wonder: The award-winning, multi-million-copy bestselling phenomenon

Before starting this book, I had heard so many great things about it. I never heard anything bad about this, so obviously my expectations were high about this. And yes, it didn’t disappoint me. In fact, it was way too good for my imagination. There are some stories which touch you deeply, and surely it was one of them. This is a story about 11 years old August Pullman who doesn’t have a normal face. He has a rare medical facial deformity, which he refers to as “mandibulofacial dysostosis“, more commonly known as Treacher Collins syndrome and a cleft palate. After his birth, he went through multiple operations on his face to look like what he was now. He was homeschooled by his mother until fifth grade. The story starts when his parents decide to send him to a private school called Beecher Prep. The story revolves around what difficulties Auggie (August) faces int he school, how everyone treated him, how he made friends there. His Principal arranged some students to be friends with him. Although they were scared of him at the beginning, they eventually started liking him, except for one boy Julian. There were a few children whom he could have called his friends. Rest of the students treated him like he had any kind of plague and they will be infected even if he touched them. At first, Auggie didn’t like the school, he was devastated, but his parents and sister were always there for him and encouraged him and he started liking the school. The story further progresses telling various turn of events which eventually make Auggie everyone’s favourite. He was successful in making people believe that he is perfectly normal, just his face is different. It was a fast paced story. There were small chapters and the story quickly progressed. It was not dragging one. The main thing that I liked most about this book was that there was not a single PoV of just August, rather there were 6 different POVs. Surely, it sounds a way more, but when you keep reading through each person’s chapters, you don’t feel it. Rather you would feel as if it was necessary to write the story from the perspective of all those characters. The persons having their individual PoV includes Via (August’s sister), Miranda (Via’s old friend), Justin (Via’s boyfriend), Jack and Summer (Auggie’s new friends at Beecher Prep). The added bonus in my copy was Julian’s chapters (Auggie’s classmate who didn’t like him at all). The writing was simple and up to the mark. R.J. Palacio knew that what she was writing and what she had to present. Each character was shown flawed at first and then it was little sympathetic. I really liked how she portrayed Via’s thoughts. It’s true that it was most difficult for Via to handle his deformed brother and facing everyone’s reaction when they see him. But she also loves him a lot. Palacio perfectly managed both the conflicts. Similar conflicts were showed for Summer, Jack and Justin. Julian’s PoV was an added bonus as I said earlier. It was very interesting to see how he changed from a bad boy to a good one and how his grandmother played an important part in that transformation. I really love the story that his grandmother told him. Palacio portrayed the kids really well – how they talk, what they think, how mean they can be, how brave they can be, what friends and friendship mean to them. She really “gets” to their feelings. There was also a part where bullying was highlighted. It shows how it can have different impacts on students lives especially of those ages. Points I liked 1) The way the story is told from everyone’s point of view and not just from August’s. 2) How not just August’s life has been mentioned, but other people’s life too like Justin. 3) That story didn’t stop when changing from one person’s pov to another one’s, rather it was progressive. Things I didn’t like / wished would have been different 1) I was disappointed by my copy. There were lots of editing errors and the whole Justin chapter was wrongly structured (though it was not the fault of the story 😛 ) 2) I wished to read a few pages from Isabel and Nate’s point of view too (August’s parents). I felt that this book was real. I felt the emotions of each person, that how difficult it was to handle that kind of kid. When you finish reading it, you feel good. It’s heartwarming. It is a tear jerker. For me, it was the point when Julian’s grandmother told her story to him. It really moved me. And it had a perfect message: "WHEN GIVEN THE CHOICE BETWEEN BEING RIGHT OR BEING KIND, CHOOSE KIND." Many of us don’t read middle-grade books. But I really feel that this is an important read, not just for middle grade readers but for all the ages. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed! I can happily say that it’s one of my favourites now. It left me thinking about the story for many days and made we think that how we treat others often. This is soon going to be a feature film and I can’t wait to see the movie. Would Recommend To 1) Middle grade readers 2) Readers who don’t mind to shed a few tears 😛 3) Book readers who like to read about some different topics 4) Those who like to read realistic fiction.

I recently finished reading Wonder, and it left a lasting impression. The story is simple but incredibly powerful, following Auggie Pullman as he navigates school and life with a facial difference. Each character’s perspective adds depth and makes the narrative feel real and relatable. I found myself laughing, feeling anxious, and moved to tears all in the same chapter. The themes of kindness, empathy, and acceptance are woven naturally into the story without feeling forced. The writing is clear, accessible, and perfect for both young readers and adults. What I appreciated most is how it encourages reflection on how we treat others. This book is more than just a story; it’s a lesson in humanity that stays with you long after the last page.

“I actually like how doctors talk. I like the sound of science” Wonder follows a ten year old August who was born with a genetic condition which resulted into facial deformity. So, due to this he faces a lot of problems on daily basis and has been home- schooled. The society is not very understanding, of course. If when August goes in a park the children scream and run away as soon as they lay their eyes on his face. August, however, has made peace with this fact. His sister, on the other hand, becomes furious when people judge him or sneak peeks at him. Then, his parents decide to send August to school. Initially, it's difficult for him but at the end of the year, he leaves the school with great memories and friends. Wonder is, without doubt, a wonderful book. The author did a detailed study for this book as all the parts were written beautifully. It is also written from the perspective of different characters, including August himself, his friends and his sister. She (the writer) has actually justified every character in the book, even the bad guy, Julian. I actually felt as if Julian’s mother is the Umbridge of Wonder (if you know what I mean). August’s character was written in a way that sometimes you'd feel sorry for him because of all the things he has to go through. The only thing that will always bug me is that how can children be so rude at the age of just ten years? Like, seriously, how? But all in all, it was a spectacular experience. You might want to pick this book if you're looking for sarcasm and humour and something that can move you.

This book reminded me of something so simple. Kindness and love can literally change the world. It’s not complicated. We just make it complicated. Just be kind. The story is about August Pullman. We’ll call him Auggie since everyone does that. He’s a 10-year-old boy with a severe facial deformity. He lives with his mom Isabel, dad Nate, sister Via (Olivia), and their dog Daisy. Since he looks different, people stare at him, little kids scream, some pass comments, some get visibly uncomfortable. Other kids bully him and call him names. It’s honestly heartbreaking to see the world through his eyes. He was homeschooled till grade four, but for middle school, his parents decide to send him to a regular school. And that’s where the real story begins… how he deals with bullying, how he makes friends, how he handles cruelty without losing the softness of his heart. The book is mostly from Auggie’s perspective, but we also get to see things through other characters’ eyes, which makes it even more beautiful and layered. What I loved the most is that it’s not written in a miserable way. Yes, it’s emotional. Yes, it makes you want to cry. But it’s also funny, warm, and so full of life. The author balances humour and pain so effortlessly. It’s such a spontaneous, heartwarming read. By the end, you just want to hug every Auggie out there and tell them how proud you are of them. And honestly, everyone deserves a best friend like Jack in their life. ❤️ You never know if someone is lying awake at night with happy tears because of one small act of kindness you showed them… something you may have forgotten, but meant the world to them. I really wish I had read this earlier. Highly, highly recommend. This book is for everyone who believes in kindness and the power of love. ❤️

My 6th class studying daughter after reading this book, she given below feedback.

It has a great story and best for students

A meaningful story for kids 9+ that inspires kindness and bravery

Superb

英語中級者の自分は最初は読めるか心配でしたが、短めで淡々と進む文章は波に乗って読み進めることができました。とてもいい読解の勉強になりました。最後はちゃんとストーリーに感動しました。

Esse livro é muito bom!!

Tutto ok. É il libro che cercavo.

What a wonderful story ! August, Via, their parents, Jack Will, Summer, Charlotte ... they all are such inspiring characters ! I love how this is not a melancholic and boring book but a story about emotion, courage and bravery ! All the point of view are so rich and interesting... I learned about courage and right of feeling bad how expressing it is not complaining ! You have to read it no matter what age, sex or race you are ! Thank you RJ Palacio ! " You can't blend in when your were bien to stand out "

I recently got the book Wonder by R.J. Palacio for my 10-year-old, and it has been an incredible read for both of us. This beautifully written novel offers a powerful and moving story that is perfect for young readers and adults alike. Engaging and Relatable Characters: The book centers around August Pullman, a young boy with a facial difference who starts attending a mainstream school for the first time. The characters in Wonder are incredibly well-developed and relatable. Auggie’s journey, as well as the perspectives of his friends and family, are portrayed with great empathy and realism. My child found it easy to connect with the characters and became deeply invested in their stories. Important Themes and Lessons: Wonder tackles important themes such as kindness, acceptance, and the challenges of being different. It encourages readers to look beyond appearances and to understand the importance of empathy and compassion. The story beautifully illustrates the impact of both kindness and cruelty, making it a valuable lesson for children as they navigate social interactions. Appropriate for Young Readers: The language and style of writing are accessible and appropriate for a 10-year-old reader. The book is engaging and easy to follow, making it a great choice for young readers who are starting to explore more complex themes. It’s a perfect balance of being thought-provoking without being too overwhelming for children. Positive Message: The overall message of the book is incredibly positive and uplifting. It encourages readers to “choose kind” and to celebrate differences. The narrative is touching and often heartwarming, making it a feel-good read that leaves a lasting impression. Encourages Discussion: Wonder is also a great book for sparking discussions about empathy, bullying, and the importance of kindness. It provides a wonderful opportunity for parents and children to talk about these topics and to reflect on their own behaviors and attitudes. Conclusion: Overall, Wonder by R.J. Palacio is an exceptional book that I highly recommend for children and adults alike. It’s a beautifully crafted story that teaches valuable life lessons and promotes a message of kindness and acceptance. My 10-year-old thoroughly enjoyed it and found it both touching and inspiring. It’s a book that every child should read, as it fosters understanding and compassion in a way that is both engaging and accessible. A truly wonderful read!