Wonder (5/5 stars, currently priced at $9.99) is one of those books that’s officially classified as Children’s Literature, yet has a kind of ageless, timeless, fable-like quality that appeals to readers of all ages. Here’s the brief description, from Amazon:
I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse.
August Pullman was born with a facial deformity that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. WONDER, now a #1 New York Times bestseller and included on the Texas Bluebonnet Award master list, begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance.
“Wonder is the best kids’ book of the year,” said Emily Bazelon, senior editor at Slate.com and author of Sticks and Stones: Defeating the Culture of Bullying and Rediscovering the Power of Character and Empathy. In a world where bullying among young people is an epidemic, this is a refreshing new narrative full of heart and hope. R.J. Palacio has called her debut novel “a meditation on kindness” —indeed, every reader will come away with a greater appreciation for the simple courage of friendship. Auggie is a hero to root for, a diamond in the rough who proves that you can’t blend in when you were born to stand out.
Wonder is winning new fans and rave reviews from critics and regular readers alike. For example:
A School Library Journal Best of Children’s Books 2012
A Publishers Weekly Best of Children’s Books 2012
A Kirkus Reviews Best of Children’s Books 2012
A Booklist Best of Children’s Books 2012
Amazon Best Books of the Month for Kids, February 2012:
“Wonder is a rare gem of a novel–beautifully written and populated by characters who linger in your memory and heart. August Pullman is a 10-year-old boy who likes Star Wars and Xbox, ordinary except for his jarring facial anomalies. Homeschooled all his life, August heads to public school for fifth grade and he is not the only one changed by the experience–something we learn about first-hand through the narratives of those who orbit his world. August’s internal dialogue and interactions with students and family ring true, and though remarkably courageous he comes across as a sweet, funny boy who wants the same things others want: friendship, understanding, and the freedom to be himself. ‘It is only with one’s heart that one can see clearly. What is essential is invisible to the eye.’ From The Little Prince and R.J. Palacio’s remarkable novel, Wonder. –Amazon reviewer Seira Wilson
Entertainment Weekly, February 17, 2012, The Top 10 Things We Love This Week:
“In a wonder of a debut, Palacio has written a crackling page-turner filled with characters you can’t help but root for.”
The New York Times, April 8, 2012:
“Rich and memorable…It’s Auggie and the rest of the children who are the real heart of ‘Wonder,’ and Palacio captures the voices of girls and boys, fifth graders and teenagers, with equal skill.”
The Wall Street Journal, June 9, 2012:
“What makes R.J. Palacio’s debut novel so remarkable, and so lovely, is the uncommon generosity with which she tells Auggie’s story…The result is a beautiful, funny and sometimes sob-making story of quiet transformation.”
The Huffington Post, January 2013:
“I think every mother and father would be better for having read it. Auggie’s parents — who are never named in the book, and don’t even get to narrate a chapter of their own — are powerful examples not only of how to shelter and strengthen a child with heartbreaking facial anomalies, but also of how to be a loving advocate to any kid.”
“Full of heart, full of truth, Wonder is a book about seeing the beauty that’s all around us. I dare you not to fall in love with Auggie Pullman.”
– Rebecca Stead, Newbery award-winning author of When You Reach Me
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Wonder: it’s a great summertime reading pick for kids, or anyone who can appreciate a simple story with an uplifting message.