Book Cover
Book Summary
August was born with a perfect storm of health issues that left him with sever facial abnormalities even after many surgeries. After being homeschooled for his whole life, in the 5th grade he begins attending a local school. Wonder follows his adjustment to the world outside his home and the world's adjustment to him and his differences.
APA Reference of Book
Palacio, R.J., (2012). Wonder. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf.
Impressions
I really enjoyed this book. I didn't love it like my daughter does, but it is a very good book. The book has so much to show children about how what they do and say affects those around them - both intentionally and unintentionally. The book is told from the various viewpoints of August and people around him who take part in his story. This gives a very complete view of the different challenges of being the one who is so different, or their friend, or their sister, and even the sister's boyfriend. Through the eyes of all of these characters there is something to be learned about how we treat those around us.
Professional Review
"Gr 4–7--Due to a rare genetic disorder, Auggie Pullman's head is malformed, his facial features are misshapen, and he has scars from corrective surgery. After much discussion and waffling, he and his parents decide it's time for him to go to a regular school for the fifth grade instead of being homeschooled. All his life Auggie has seen the shocked expressions and heard the whispers his appearance generates, and he has his coping strategies. He knows that except for how he looks, he's a normal kid. What he experiences is typical middle school--the good and the bad. Meanwhile, his beautiful sister is starting high school and having her own problems. She's finding that friendships change and, though it makes her feel guilty, she likes not being labeled as Auggie's sister. Multiple people tell this story, including Auggie, two of his new school friends, his sister, and his sister's former best friend. Palacio has an exceptional knack for writing realistic conversation and describing the thoughts and emotions of the characters. Everyone grows and develops as the story progresses, especially the middle school students. This is a fast read and would be a great discussion starter about love, support, and judging people on their appearance. A well-written, thought-provoking book."
Reeder, N. P. (2012). [Review of Wonder by R. J. Palacio]. School Library Journal, 58(2), 130. Retrieved from: http://www.slj.com/
Library Uses
This book could be the cornerstone of a discussion on kindness and bullying. There is a companion book called The Julian Chapter that tells the year from the perspective of one of the mean kids from Wonder that would add even more to the discussion.
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