Summer Reading 2013 Wonder

Wonder by R.J. Palacio is a realistic fiction story featuring a boy named August  "Auggie" Pullman whose face is unusual because of medical problems. As he explains, "I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse." Auggie has been home-schooled by his mother, but now he will be going to school for the first time as he begins 5th grade. The book is told from several points of view. Besides Auggie, we also see events through the perspective of his sister, some of her friends and some of his classmates from his new school.

Some books that try to use more than one viewpoint just end up being a jumbled mess. Wonder doesn't have that problem. Each character gives you more information or a different way of thinking about the events. As each side of the story is told, the picture of the whole truth comes into focus with more and more detail.

If you look at the list of awards it has won, you may think, "Oh - it must be pretty boring if all those adults are recommending it." But the story is very interesting. The kids in it are so believable that they may remind you of people you know. If you have ever felt different or misunderstood, ever been the "new kid," or ever had a friend do something to hurt your feelings, then you will understand Auggie. Visit the publisher's website to find out more, or come by the library and check out the book.


Wonder is a 2013 Carnegie Medal in Literature Nominee, a 2012 NAIBA Book of the Year for Middle Readers, a 2013 Waterstones Children's Book Prize, 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, and a Booklist Best of Children's Books 2012.

The author's website also has more information about the book and there is a trailer, too.