Review: "Wonder" By R. J. Palacio

Bubbles
Oct 7, 2017
2 min read

"My name is August. I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse."

Hey all! It's Bubbles here. Wow. This is my first post! Hi, universe!

Ever since I've finished reading Wonder, I have spent time reflecting on the many positive messages it sends to readers, and just how much of a heart-warming read it actually is.

This book is about a boy named August Pullman, who is just like every ordinary 10-year-old - he plays the Xbox, he rides his bike, he has a geeky obsession with Star Wars - but one thing that makes him extremely different from average schoolkids is his face.

August has an unknown type of 'mandibulofacial dystosis', which causes him to have some serious facial 'deformities'. This is already hard enough for him and his family, I mean, can you imagine being stared at every place you go for something that you can't even help?

August has always been home-schooled, until one day where his parents announce that they are thinking of sending him to Beecher Prep, the local Middle School. Now, as you can imagine, this is very worrying for Auggie, because Middle School kids can be very mean. But he ends up going to school, and he faces head-first all of the challenges that come to him.

This book is a great read because it covers topics that usually aren't found in kids books in a very engaging and realistic manner. Auggie has to deal with some bullies who give him a very hard time, but he handles the situation very well, with the help of some very secure friendships. Okay, so I'm going to stop there because I don't want to spoil the book for you guys!

August is a very inspiring role model for young children, because he clearly demonstrates the message that is: why fit in when you were born to stand out? I don't even have enough words to say what an outstanding book this is. It's funny, sad, empowering and inspiring. For this reason I would definitely give the book 5 stars. I highly recommend reading it! On a related note, the film based on this book is coming out next month in the USA. I am really excited to watch it, and you can watch the book trailer here: