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Wonder (Wonder #1)

by R.J. Palacio

4.42 · Rating Details · 355,344 Ratings · 41,000 Reviews

I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse.

August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school—until now. He's about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, and if you've ever been the new kid then you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an ex ...more

Hardcover, Books for Young Readers, 316 pages

Published February 14th 2012 by Knopf

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Newbery 2013

118 books — 1,238 voters

Best Books of 2012

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Community Reviews

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Jan 19, 2012 Wendy Darling rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: fans of Suicide Notes, A Monster Calls...pretty much anyone with a beating heart

Shelves: realistic-fiction, young-adult, hilarious, made-my-heart-hurt, male-pov, middle-grade, poc, 2012-favorites, 2012-publication, read-2012, rh, 2012-5-star-books

Wonder is one of those rare books that makes you want to hug everyone in it so tightly that they’ll have no doubt about how much you love them…and beyond that, it also makes you want to reach out and hug the whole world. It’s an upbeat, humorous, life-affirming story that deserves to be read—and it’s one that may just change its readers, too.

If you remember how terrifying it was to be a kid on a day to day basis, you’ll appreciate August’s story. 10-year-old Auggie is going to school for the fir ...more

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Nov 06, 2013 Rick Riordan rated it it was amazing

Ye gods, what a wonderful book! I don't read a lot of realistic middle grade fiction. I tend to gravitate toward fantasy. But this is probably the best such book I've read since Sherman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.

The main character August (Auggie) Pullman is a ten-year-old boy with severe facial abnormalities. Little kids scream when they see him. Older kids make fun of him and call him a freak. Auggie is home-schooled through grade four, but for middle school his p ...more

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Jan 25, 2016 Zoë rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Watch my review & discussion here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txeTr...

What a WONDERful first book of the year! I read this book almost too quickly, I wanted it to last longer. This might be technically a children's book, but it really was such a special and meaningful read and I highly recommend that everyone read this once in their lives!

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Oct 31, 2011 Aly (Fantasy4eva) rated it really liked it

Shelves: hilarious, i-ache-for-you, you-inspire-me, my-kinda-protagonist, received-for-review, arc, uk-bookish-love

Personally, I prefer my ARC cover. You like? :)

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August has always known that he's different. But he's learned to long accept that people will always stare at his face, and there's nothing he can do about it. So why not just live life the best way possible? With a loving family always by his side, although originally not at all happy about starting school, he soon starts to warm to the idea. Having been home-schooled for many years he is now more vulnerable than ever.

Like any person that's a new student, August faces many mixed reactions from fellow students. Some are welcoming like Summers and Jack. Others not so much like Henry and Julian. But add to that something which will make you definitely stand out - and not in a positive way - and you are bound to have a rough few days. I just want to say this straight out. If I was August, heck no would I be brave enough to walk through those gates. He is just ten years old but his sensibility, ability to laugh at himself and his courage just blew me away. I think he is such a wonderful human being. I can't gush enough about him.

What I particularly love about the book is how we are able to see August through others too. Of course this is Augusts journey, but it's interesting to see how others see him. Via, his sister, is the one I found most interesting. She's a teenager and at that age where she is still discovering new things about herself day by day. And although she adores her brother, she's grown up learning never to complain, to never want or expect anything from her parents. She's always known that August is first priority since her parents are so over -protective over him, but little by little, it's clear that she's starting to grow a little resentful. And she hates herself for it, because she loves her family so much.

What really shined for me was not just August himself, but his loving tight - knit family. The kind that you see in cartoons or children's books. The bedtime stories, the hugs and kisses. It's so lovely to just watch from afar and see how supportive and sweet they are towards one another.

And hey, when we get to the last few pages it's just full on inspiring. Some very touching, quotable moments there. ;) ...more

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Apr 22, 2012 Raeleen Lemay rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, own

"You really are a wonder, Auggie. You are a wonder."

I've read this book twice now, and it will definitely always have a special place in my heart. This is a book that makes me laugh, makes me cry, and gives me endless amounts of hope. I love this book, and will probably be giving out copies to my friends and family this Christmas.

first read in May 2013

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Mar 20, 2012 Catie rated it it was ok

Shelves: middle-grade, for-review, read-in-2012

I feel like I want to attach a giant asterisk to those two stars up there:

*I acknowledge that this opinion will not be shared by 90% or more of readers.

I know that most everyone is going to love this book: it’s a very sweet, heartwarming story. And on top of that – it’s well written and flows really nicely. I finished it in one afternoon. For a really well thought-out, positive review I would read Flannery’s. If you insist on staying here – be prepared for dissent and lot of middle-school remi ...more

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Jun 06, 2012 Nicholas Sparks rated it it was amazing

Shelves: nicholas-recommends

A wonderful read for all ages.

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Feb 26, 2012 Janina rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: children-s, for-review

I feel a bit like a cold-hearted snob for giving this book two stars. I am not saying that it isn't an uplifting story definitely worth being told (and read), but I can't deny that there were a few aspects I had problems with and that the story didn't trigger the emotional reaction I expected it to.

Wonder is the story of August Pullman's first year at school. Auggie is a ten-year-old boy born with a facial anomaly that has required him to undergo countless operations and made him an outsider wit I feel a bit like a cold-hearted snob for giving this book two stars. I am not saying that it isn't an uplifting story definitely worth being told (and read), but I can't deny that there were a few aspects I had problems with and that the story didn't trigger the emotional reaction I expected it to.

Wonder is the story of August Pullman's first year at school. Auggie is a ten-year-old boy born with a facial anomaly that has required him to undergo countless operations and made him an outsider with other kids his age. This book is the story of him facing his fears of being stared at and excluded, of him growing up and of his family letting go.

His story is told from six different perspectives. We have of course August himself, but also his older sister Via, her boyfriend Justin, her friend Miranda and Jack and Summer, two kids August befriends at school. Male and female perspectives, very young teens, older teens – yet their voices all sounded more or less the same to me. Furthermore, I felt that some points of view didn’t really add to the story
Funny enough, the voice that got to me the most wasn't August's but his sister Via's. Basically, she has lived in her little brother's shadow all her life. I found it rather sad to read her thoughts, how she always had to fend for herself when her little brother was the center of attention and how she sometimes hates herself for wanting to take that attention away from him. She really was the character I could identify with the most, and her voice definitely rang true to me. This doesn't mean I couldn't sympatise with August himself, too, but the four additional perspectives I could have easily done without.
In general, the writing is kept simple, fitting and true to the ten-year-old responsible for most of the narration, but towards the end, the heavy use of the word "dude" really got on my nerves. It seemed to be for authenticity purposes, but it bordered on ridiculous (I know, this is the nitpicker in me coming out.)

A very important role throughout the book play precepts August's English teacher, Mr Browne, presents his students at the beginning of every month. These precepts are often addressed in the story, and one of them, probably the one used to underline the overall message of the book, rubbed me the wrong way. It is the following quote by an American psychotherapist and author:

"When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind." – Dr. Wayne Dyer

Now, don't get me wrong: being kind certainly isn’t a bad decision. But should I really value being kind over being right? Should I tell lies not to offend a person's feelings for example? Should I omit my own feelings in order to not hurt anyone else? Tell me, where would this concept lead us? Towards a better world? I somehow doubt it.

In the end, when I recapitulate the whole book, there are simply too many "toos" that come to my mind: the different voices were too similar, Auggie’s parents too good and too understanding, the "villains" too evil, the ending too perfect, the overall tone a little too preachy.

And I have one question: Do ten-year-old kids really date?!

Thanks a lot to Random House and Netgalley for the review copy. ...more

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Mar 11, 2017 Candace rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, tearjerkers, listened-to-audio-version, sweet-heart-warming-stories, read-listened-with-my-kids

Wow! I am so glad that I finally got around to listening to this story. 'Wonder' had been sitting on my TBR list for a really long time, but I had been waiting for a time to listen to it with my daughters. That time finally arrived last weekend, when we had to spend a full day in the car on a trip.

I had read many great reviews for this book, so I had really high hopes going into it. In fact, I was worried that I would be disappointed, as I often am with a book that is surrounded by so much hype. Wow! I am so glad that I finally got around to listening to this story. 'Wonder' had been sitting on my TBR list for a really long time, but I had been waiting for a time to listen to it with my daughters. That time finally arrived last weekend, when we had to spend a full day in the car on a trip.

I had read many great reviews for this book, so I had really high hopes going into it. In fact, I was worried that I would be disappointed, as I often am with a book that is surrounded by so much hype. However, I can say that this book did not let me down in any way. In fact, it exceeded every expectation that I had. I absolutely loved this story!

'Wonder' tells the story of a young boy, August Pullman aka "Auggie", who is going to begin attending school for the first time ever. Auggie has been homeschooled for years by his mother because he was born with severe facial deformities, requiring multiple operations over the course of his young life. Despite the myriad of surgeries that he has undergone, he still lives with significant facial disfigurement. Now, Auggie will be entering the fifth grade at Beecher Prep.

Told from multiple POVs, this book provides a thorough account of Auggie's experiences. I was especially impressed with the raw honesty of his sister's POV. Growing up with Auggie wasn't easy, as she always came second to his needs. She struggled with resentment and guilt over having those feelings, as she truly loved her brother but craved the attention of her parents also.

Auggie's POV was also brutally honest. He was well aware of how other people viewed him. Yet, no amount of awareness can make a child immune to the stares and cruel words. His story was heartbreaking, but inspiring.

It was also easy to relate to the POVs of others, including Jack, the boy who befriends Auggie at school. Although some of his actions were upsetting, he was only human. I had to remind myself that he was just a young boy, battling his own insecurities and trying to fit in at a very impressionable age. Even good people do bad things sometimes.

As a parent, I both admired and sympathized with Auggie's mother. My heart went out to her. I could only imagine how difficult it would be to enroll your child into school, wanting to provide as normal a life as possible, while also wanting to shelter and protect him. I don't know what I would've done in her shoes.

Not surprisingly, this was an incredibly emotional story. At times, it was downright depressing. However, I couldn't help but fall in love with Auggie and his resilience. This story broke my heart, but it also inspired me.

Most importantly, this story will make you reflect on your views and behaviors. This story highlights the cruelty of people's actions, bred from ignorance and fear. Never have I read a story that so effectively prompts readers to examine the impact of their actions and words. For children, this was a wonderful lesson in empathy.

This book prompted some thoughtful discussion with my daughters (5 and 10) about bullying and the "golden rule". Although some of the story went over the head of my 5 year-old, who was primarily hung-up on the hilarity of the "farting nurse", my 10 year-old didn't miss a beat. I have no doubt that this story will stick with her and make her more considerate and empathetic toward other children.

'Wonder' is the type of book that should be required reading in schools and I'm glad to hear that it is in some schools already. Just like 'The Diary of a Young Girl' (Anne Frank's Diary), this book is a book that guides you to be a better, more thoughtful, person. It is beautiful and engaging. No doubt about it, this book left it's mark on me. I highly recommend this book to everyone, young and old!

Check out more of my reviews at www.bookaddicthaven.com ...more

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Apr 19, 2015 Shelby *trains flying monkeys* rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Recommended to Shelby *trains flying monkeys* by: Rachel Reads Ravenously

Shelves: favorites, made-my-face-rain, liburry-book, read-2015

I hate reviewing books that I'm crazy about. I never can get across how wonderful they are. This is one of those books.

Sorry Christina. Words do hurt.

The universe has not been kind to Auggie Pullman. He was born with facial deformities. He has had multiple surgeries but he still gets people stopping when they see him and ugly remarks made about him.

He had been homeschooled up until the fifth grade due to his many recoveries from the surgeries and I think to protect him from other people. His ...more

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Feb 18, 2012 Flannery rated it it was amazing

Recommended to Flannery by: Wendy Darling

Shelves: childrens-books, favorites, i-wouldnt-read-on-the-t, read-in-2012, wishlist-for-dtbs-to-keep

August Pullman burrowed under my skin and punched me in my tear ducts pretty early on in this book. Maybe it was his Star Wars obsession, or his sense of humor, or his general spirit that captured me but it was probably all three—and so much more. As a kid with craniofacial abnormalities, he's heard it all, all the awful names kids (and adults) can come up with. He's seen all the horrified looks. Until this year, though, he'd never been to school. Wonder follows Auggie as he starts his year unti August Pullman burrowed under my skin and punched me in my tear ducts pretty early on in this book. Maybe it was his Star Wars obsession, or his sense of humor, or his general spirit that captured me but it was probably all three—and so much more. As a kid with craniofacial abnormalities, he's heard it all, all the awful names kids (and adults) can come up with. He's seen all the horrified looks. Until this year, though, he'd never been to school. Wonder follows Auggie as he starts his year until he graduates from the fifth grade.

The story is told from multiple viewpoints: Auggie, his sister, her boyfriend, her sister’s ex-best friend, and two of Auggie’s friends from school. The technique worked for me in this case, as it was fascinating to see events from different perspectives and to feel what each character was feeling. I keep trying to decide which narrator I enjoyed hearing from the most but they each gave me something to think about: What it means to be comfortable, how much influence parents have on their children’s personalities, how taking one minute to do something for someone else can make all the difference. I sound like a motivational speaker right now. Treat everyone with kindness! Teach your kids to look beyond looks! Let’s all just take care of each other!

Middle grade books are hit or miss for me. I truly feel they must be some of the hardest books to write; children's books as well. Conveying messages to impressionable age groups while still telling an engaging and well-constructed story is a feat. I can see how some readers may view this book as heavy-handed or forcing moral values. I guess I just didn't see it. The book reads like what it is supposed to read like: A book about a young boy who is and manages to remain a wonderful and caring human being despite being subjected to numerous events that would make me want to go weep in my room. I think children are smart enough to know that not every child in Auggie's situation is surrounded with so many wonderful people. They go to school. They know that other kids are not always nice, especially to anyone who deviates from whatever is "normal" (if anything is normal). If books for children always told the truth, far more kids in books would be picked up by sex traffickers, be in abusive households, and struggle with food insecurity. Believing that the universe will take care of everyone is a bit delusional - that is not the case. But teaching children to believe that good things can happen to everyone and that there are more kind than evil people in the world? I don't see the harm in that.

There is a fine line between playing on the emotions of your readers and emotional manipulation. I’m not a big crier in books - I can only think of three or four books that have made me tear up at all - but I cried several times in this book. (On a plane, no less!) I think there was only one segment of the book that felt overdone and that had to do with the family dog. And while I may or may not have snuggled with my dog after I read that section, I didn’t cry because I’m not sold on the necessity of that portion of the book. However, I will concede that the dog’s character provided the perfect vehicle to introduce discussions of blind love and souls/bodies and those were highlights for me. (Hearing Auggie's thoughts about maybe coming back as a handsome man broke my heart a little bit.) The only other thing that didn't work for me was the usage of song lyrics. Then again, I’ve never been the biggest Natalie Merchant fan. I thought this book was wonderful (pun initially unintended but I'm leaving it in so I guess there is intent behind it now) and I absolutely recommend it to parents and teachers who would like to read something worthwhile and inspirational with children as well as to any readers who enjoy middle grade books.
...more

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Jun 20, 2016 Kai rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, 2016, important, to-buy

“I think there should be a rule that everyone in the world should get a standing ovation at least once in their lives.”

A normal boy, with an unusual face, starting school for the first time in his life.
August was born with facial abnormalities, went through lots of operations, but his face still looks far from normal. Now he's about to start middle school, and because he's been homeschooled by his mom ever since, he's both scared and excited.

This book. It's Amazing.
While sometimes sad and shocki ...more

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Mar 08, 2012 Emily May rated it liked it

Shelves: childrens, 2012

It would be pretty impossible to properly review this book without getting just a touch spoilery. I think I could actually sum up rather succinctly what it was that made this book only get three stars from me, and also what I'm sure will be many readers' deciding factor as to whether they will love it or not. Basically, you should love this novel if you like stories that end with this:

(view spoiler)

However, if you're looking for the slightly less spoilery version, you'll have to settle for me talking about the tone of this book instead. Turn away now if you want to be completely surprised.

So... this is a book about a boy - Auggie - who was born with a severe facial deformity and, despite years of surgery, is still left with a face that scares small children and shocks adults. He has been homeschooled his whole life, until one day when his parents decide attending middle school may be an important step towards Auggie gaining some kind of normality. He faces the stares, name-calling and ostracisation that come with being different in school - only a million times worse than normal.

My biggest problem with this book is just how happy and uplifting it is. I know that sounds terrible, but I wanted it to be grittier. Someone like Auggie must have so much emotional turmoil but I felt it was lost amongst the happily ever after-ness. It was too sweet, too nice, too unreal. It's like that moment when Neville Longbottom gets those ten kind-of undeserved house points that guarantee Gryffindor the house cup... except it's far worse because Auggie's story is supposed to feel real, not like he lives in a magic castle and has just defeated a dark wizard. It was too perfect to believe in.

There are bad guys in this book, sure there are, but only one of them remains unredeemed and he loses his popularity. In other words: the good guys triumph and the bad guys get punished. I wasn't feeling it. It seemed so unbelievable to me that the only person who doesn't get a happy ending is the evil kid.

But three stars still means I liked it! This book was an entertaining page-turner and I had no problems with the really young age of the narrators. Yes, narrators, because the book switched between the point of view of Auggie, his sister - Via, Jack, Summer, Justin and Miranda... and by some miracle this actually worked! The only one I didn't enjoy reading was Justin's, I thought it was a bit of a waste of paper. Other than that, I liked reading about how Auggie's looks affected his relationships with the aforementioned. However, I still think some of the kids were nicer and more understanding than they would be in real life at their age.

And one last thing, this book did bring tears to my eyes but it had nothing to do with Auggie - be prepared for one surprising and upsetting part that I wasn't expecting.
...more

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Feb 18, 2012 Thomas rated it it was amazing

Shelves: five-stars, own-electronic, read-on-kindle, young-adult, realistic-fiction

Yes. Yes. Yes. Wonder is one of those books that just makes me want to say... Yes.

"I wish every day could be Halloween. We could all wear masks all the time. Then we could walk around and get to know each other before we got to see what we looked like under the masks."

We've all been bullied before. Criticized or cast aside because of how we talk, what we wear, or who we hang out with. But I doubt that many of us have experienced anything like what August Pullman went through. Ten-year-old Auggie Yes. Yes. Yes. Wonder is one of those books that just makes me want to say... Yes.

"I wish every day could be Halloween. We could all wear masks all the time. Then we could walk around and get to know each other before we got to see what we looked like under the masks."

We've all been bullied before. Criticized or cast aside because of how we talk, what we wear, or who we hang out with. But I doubt that many of us have experienced anything like what August Pullman went through. Ten-year-old Auggie was born with a severe facial deformity, and despite his shining personality, is plunged into a world with people who cannot see past his appearance. Wonder details Auggie's journey into the fifth grade, and serves as a stark and honest portrayal of the problems with being different.

I wish every fifth grader read this book. After reading Wendy's wonderful review, I bought this book for my ten-year-old cousin as a birthday gift, before reading it myself. Wonder is probably the best gift I have given my cousin yet.

Auggie was an absolutely amazing protagonist. Palachio carves his character with the utmost precision, creating a sympathetic and strong ten-year-old who readers cannot help but cheer for. He has his whiny moments, like every little kid, but the ordeals he's forced to overcome grant him a giant heart, too. I wanted to give him and all of his friends hugs (which, coming from an adolescent male, may sound strange) and ~~beat up~~ give a stern talk to everyone who was mean to him.

The plot worked wonders as well. Though the story is mainly told through Auggie's point of view, there are also five other perspectives readers get to see the story through. Each voice contributed something superb to the development of the plot and to the fleshing out of Auggie's personality and life experiences. There was never a dull moment, and I always wanted to know what would happen next.

I cannot laud Wonder enough. There were several small things that made me love the book, like how Auggie's parents tried to provide him with the best life possible, and how his older sister, Olivia, was in a high school relationship that didn't involve drugs or sex. When I read Summer's perspective, I thought to myself, why can't every little girl be this spectacular? Mr. Browne's precepts, Jack Will, Miranda, Justin, Daisy, and even Julian, all played a part in making this book what it was.

I want to end my review by thanking R.J. Palacio for writing what will be my birthday gift to every little kid I see for a long time. This is a book I want my kids to read, my cousins to read, and even for my teachers' kids to read. Heck, everyone should read this. It is a life lesson about kindness, compassion, and human connection. It is a testament to the strength we all have within us, not only to withstand the pain of stinging words, but to take a stand for what we believe is right.

*review cross-posted on my blog, the quiet voice. ...more

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Nov 20, 2016 Alex Farrand rated it it was amazing

Shelves: children-s, ya

This book is wonderful. I am very glad to have read this novel. I started reading this out loud to my daughter, but she wasn't having it. I plan to read this to her when she is older, because of her father.

Story time: Once upon a time there was this man named Lance Corporal Cracknell. His platoon or battalion (not sure which it was) was stationed out in Afghanistan and they were doing their daily hump. While walking, third in line, he steps on an explosive. KABOOM. Luckily, he didn't die, becaus This book is wonderful. I am very glad to have read this novel. I started reading this out loud to my daughter, but she wasn't having it. I plan to read this to her when she is older, because of her father.

Story time: Once upon a time there was this man named Lance Corporal Cracknell. His platoon or battalion (not sure which it was) was stationed out in Afghanistan and they were doing their daily hump. While walking, third in line, he steps on an explosive. KABOOM. Luckily, he didn't die, because the bomb partiality detonated. But he was injured and is now, again luckily, only a below the knee amputee. Side note: he is really cool about the leg injury. Don't worry about it. He has a nickname for his nub and says it is from a shark bite. Who knew he could be so clever when he doesn't bother me while reading.

This is how I sort of relate to this novel. I felt sort of in Via's shoes. Always spotting people who look at my husband. His prosthetic has an middle finger sticker on it, but that is besides the point. Everyone stares. He tries or maybe he is oblivious to it now, but I notice. Little kids point and ask their parents about it all the time. It is pretty funny. I treat him as I would treat anyone else, even when he plays the pity game. I might be a little bit meaner. He is ordinary. A lot of people think he is extraordinary, because he does everything a two legged person would do. Like I said he is ordinary.

So, Wonder is about a August who has a genetic anomaly, which caused his face to be underdeveloped in the womb. August goes through multiple surgeries to help him survive, thank goodness, but his face isn't what we call "normal". (I will talk about that later and I will definitely rant and rave about it. Sorry, not sorry.) During his 5th grade year he attends a private school and that is where I leave off for you to read for yourself.

I think all young kids should read this novel, because 1) teaches sympathy, 2) Stop bullying for someone who doesn't look or act the same, 3) Appreciate others, 4) Anyone and everyone has problems (either big or small) who needs a helping hand, an act of kindness to get through the day, and 5) the world is cruel and not everyone is going to accept who you are at times, but there are plenty of people who will be behind you. Those are the messages I found in the book.

This is where I am going to rant and rave about the word "normal" and beauty. Our society has this ideal image of what beautiful is. If you don't act, dress, and look a certain way you are not beautiful. Someone explain to me then why do we all look different? No one looks that certain way. I definitely don't. How can anyone find me beautiful. Baffles me that we can call someone ugly, because everyone is beautiful no matter what you wear or look like. So, this normal thing what is normal anyways. Again everyone is different. Everyone has different genes (besides identical twins). No one is normal. The only normality is that we are all homo sapiens. We shouldn't be judging people, because they don't look the same. We should be finding common ground, looking into their personalities to see if we click internally. How can we judge if someone is a good fit by looking at physical features? I hate how cruel our world is and how we can only look at physical features. You can be the cutest/hottest/sexiest person in the world, but have the ugliest personality. Therefore turning you into someone I just don't get along with.

I also felt relatable to the parents in this book. I want to shield my daughter from the mean people in the world, like how August's parents want to protect him from cruel words and bullying. No one should be bullied for what they look like. But, I too want to strengthen my daughter for the cruel outside world. You can only do that with experience. Throwing them to the lions and helping them cope. Therefore, I understand how the parents felt torn apart by how to protect August the best way. Okay, my daughter is going to be two. Granted, there isn't much experience, but she is really shy. I try to throw her in social situations. Also, if there are mean parents while she is growing up. I will scream at someone.

So, I cried in the beginning of the book due to sadness and worry. I cried at the end of the book because I was happy. I loved the characters. Must read for all. I might add more to this review, but it is getting late and I am sleepy. Take aways: Be kind to everyone. Stop the hate. My precept: If you fall, just dust the dirt off and jump back on. ...more

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Oct 18, 2012 Frankie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: kindle-pdf, 2013, usa

Loved this book so much!

I thought all characters were pretty believeable in this story. I loved Auggie of course and wish he was real. I thought he was very brave for a 10 year old. He is such a sweet boy and I have alot of sympathy for him.

I also really loved Via, she was a very strong 'no bullshit' character which I loved her for.

The bullying off the other kids in school really broke my heart when reading this.

Also I have never yet cried at a book, but this book was the closest I have ever ...more

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Aug 23, 2015 Aj the Ravenous Reader rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: Everyone

Recommended to Aj the Ravenous Reader by: Shelby, Melissa Martin and Paige

Shelves: reality-bites, favorites, lol, easy-read, middle-grade, somebody-s-sick, physically-owned-books

“Everyone in the world should get a standing ovation at least once in their lives because we all overcometh the world.” -Auggie Pullman

August Pullman or “Auggie” is a young boy most unlike any normal kid. There is no easy way to say it. He was born with facial abnormality. Auggie said it himself in the beginning of the story. It’s hard to describe what he looks like because it’s probably worse than whatever we might be thinking. Auggie has won my heart right there at the first page of the b ...more

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Sep 14, 2015 Jessica (priceiswong) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: own

CHOOSE KIND.

I really enjoyed this story! It was an amazing feel-good book, but at the same time it broke my heart. I just wanted to hug and protect Auggie. This will definitely be a book that I would love for my future children to read.. I would recommend this to everyone though!

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Feb 24, 2014 Amy (Foxy) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Recommended to Amy (Foxy) by: Cindy

Shelves: library2go, winter-2014-five-stars, 2014-books, february-2014, 5-stars-2014

On sale: ->http://amzn.to/1ylLEs7 $2.50 normally $7.99
8/11/2014

description

WONDER is a story of a 5th grade boy whose face is deformed. Fifth grade is hard enough but when you look different it is even harder.

August (Auggie) has been homeschooled his whole life and now that he is entering 5th grade his parents think it's time for him to attend a private school. He's nervous because he doesn't look everyone else and when people see his face they cringe. "Let's face it, the universe was not kind to Auggie ...more

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Jul 31, 2013 April (Aprilius Maximus) rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2015

Unsure what to rate this just yet, but it was such a beautiful book!

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Apr 02, 2015 Lala BooksandLala rated it it was amazing

"When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind."

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Mar 06, 2013 Kelly (and the Book Boar) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, read-in-2013, ya-for-grown-ups, own-it-spent-my-food-money-on-it, like-this-or-we-cant-be-friends, skillet-to-the-face, read-in-2016

Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/

♪♫♪♫ ♪♫ ♪♫ “O, I believe
Fate smiled and destiny
Laughed as she came to my cradle
Know this child will be able
Laughed as she came to my mother
Know this child will not suffer
Laughed as my body she lifted
Know this child will be gifted
With love, with patience and with faith
He'll make his way” ♪♫♪♫♪♫

For anyone who even is thinking about saying this is a kid’s book . . . .

And also you are wrong. Wonder is a book for EVERYONE. Seriously. Lik ...more

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May 14, 2012 Mike Mullin rated it it was amazing

Amazing. Absolutely amazing. Among the best novels I've ever read--note I didn't say best middle-grade novels. This story is so powerful, so beautifully told that it transcends genre. I recommend it for middle-grade students. I recommend it for teenagers. I recommend it for adults--even if you've never read a middle-grade novel, even if you've read and hated middle-grade novels, try this one.

A few months ago, after reading a string of YA novels that equated inner beauty with exterior (an infuri Amazing. Absolutely amazing. Among the best novels I've ever read--note I didn't say best middle-grade novels. This story is so powerful, so beautifully told that it transcends genre. I recommend it for middle-grade students. I recommend it for teenagers. I recommend it for adults--even if you've never read a middle-grade novel, even if you've read and hated middle-grade novels, try this one.

A few months ago, after reading a string of YA novels that equated inner beauty with exterior (an infuriating and lazy trope that has infected YA like, well, vampirism), I spent a few fruitless moments raging at the universe, asking where was the brilliant fiction about ugly people. Normally the universe ignores my rants. In this case, however, the universe dropped WONDER into my lap. (Actually I checked it out from my local library. If the universe had literally dropped it into my lap, I imagine that would have hurt. The universe is nothing if not really, really tall. But having read the library copy, I'm going to buy two tomorrow. One for my wife's fourth-grade classroom, and one for me to keep and re-read. It's so good that I want Ms. Palacio to get paid twice.)

August Pullman was born with a facial deformity so severe that it and the necessary surgeries prevented him from attending school until the fifth grade. And so his first day at school isn't as one of a flock of terrified kindergarteners--instead, he becomes the chum in the shark tank of middle school. What follows is a beautiful, heart-breaking, terrifying, and funny tale about an extraordinary kid, bullying, and, ultimately, the wondrous power of kindness.

The writing is perfect for the story--simple yet lovely, with not an extra word or chapter to mar it. Last year I had a brief conversation with Bruce Coville, in which I argued that a young adult novel with five points-of-view likely wouldn't work or sell, and Bruce argued that I was wrong. Well, I was wrong. (Duh, I know, this was BRUCE FREAKING COVILLE--of course he knows far more about this topic than I!) Anyway, Palacio uses SIX POV characters to get her story across, and does it so seamlessly that there's never a moment where I wondered why she switched viewpoints, or wished she'd get back into Augie's head--although she does, wisely, both begin and end the novel in his perspective.

And Palacio doesn't stop transcending genre tropes there, either. There are parents in this book. Lovely, caring parents, of the sort you either had or wish you did. If you've read much YA or middle-grade fiction recently, you know how rare and therefore precious this is.

So, I know this is a random collection of fanboy raving, and I should really wait to hit Save until I've gone back and edited this review a little, but then you'd have to wait to find out how awesome WONDER is and START READING IT FOR YOURSELF! So I'll clean this up later and repost here and on my blog. In the meantime, why are you still reading this? You could be reading WONDER! ...more

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Jun 01, 2015 Laura Marcela ✎・:*:・ |spoilers af| rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: ya, contemporary, until-the-end-of-the-world, crying-for-the-rest-of-my-life, ebooks-i-own, so-happy-i-read-this

|4.7 stars|

Blurb: August Pullman wants to be an ordinary ten-year-old. He does ordinary things. He eats ice cream. He plays on his Xbox. He feels ordinary - inside.
But Auggie is far from ordinary. Ordinary kids don't make other ordinary kids run away screaming in playgrounds. Ordinary kids don't get stared at wherever they go.
Born with a terrible facial abnormality, Auggie has been home-schooled by his parents his whole life, in an attempt to protect him from the cruelty of the outside world. No ...more

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Apr 04, 2015 Rachel Reads Ravenously rated it it was amazing

Shelves: library-checkout, young-adult, april-2015, hardcover

5 stars!

"Let's face it, the universe was not kind to Auggie Pullman."

August, a boy with rare facial abnormalities since birth, has been homeschooled by his mother his entire life. When August reaches the age where he would attend the fifth grade, his parents broach the idea of August attending a private school with other kids his age. August does not want to go at first, but decides to attend.

At school he faces a number of experiences, from new friends to new enemies and bullies, shock f ...more

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Feb 13, 2012 Clare Cannon rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: Every single person: 10 years - adults

Shelves: 08-12yrs, 13-15yrs, young-adult, adults, favorites

I'm not kidding when I say every single person from 10 years to adults should read this book. The blurb made it sound special, but how special I had no idea. I can tell you now it is one of the most special stories I have ever read.

August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a genetic defect that changed his face. He and his family are perfectly aware of the attention he attracts, and the decision to send him to 'outside school' for the first time in Grade 5 was not taken lightly. This is the story o ...more

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Apr 07, 2013 Elyse rated it it was amazing

I read this book yesterday (wonderful Teen book for for 'adults' like me too). I wanted a book to rest with (One sitting-3hour-page-turning book). This was it!!!!!

I smiled -I cried -- Priceless!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Aug 07, 2014 Hailey (HaileyInBookland) rated it really liked it

Shelves: owned, contemporary, read-in-2015, standalone

Really great story about bullying and what it's like to be different in the mean world of middle school. My only issue is there wasn't much of a plot and I found it slow at times but I think that may be because it's middle grade. I guess I just would've liked a more cohesive story line.

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Jun 23, 2012 Mark Hoppus rated it it was amazing

Every human on Earth should read this book.

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Oct 27, 2016 Kaylin rated it really liked it

Recommended to Kaylin by: Levi Myatt

Shelves: almost-great, recommended-to-me, middle-grade

4 Stars

Overview:

“When given the choice between being right and being kind, choose kind.”

I don't read a lot of middle-grade, but this broached an assortment of complicated topics with more sensitivity than most 'adult' books and really surprised me.

The main character, August was born with a facial abnormality that not only resulted in dozens of surgeries, but prevented him from attending school until 5th grade. This story revolves around his first year at his new school.

Pros:

The narrators ra ...more

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About R.J. Palacio

R.J. Palacio lives in NYC with her husband, two sons, and two dogs. For more than twenty years, she was an art director and graphic designer, designing book jackets for other people while waiting for the perfect time in her life to start writing her own novel. But one day several years ago, a chance encounter with an extraordinary child in front of an ice cream store made R. J. realize that the pe ...more

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Other Books in the Series

Wonder (4 books)

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365 Days of Wonder: Mr. Browne's Book of Precepts

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Quotes from Wonder

“I think there should be a rule that everyone in the world should get a standing ovation at least once in their lives.” — 1949 likes

“Kinder than is necessary. Because it's not enough to be kind. One should be kinder than needed.” — 1344 likes

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