Wonder By R. J. Palacio

Title: Wonder

Author: R. J. Palacio

First Published: 10th January 2012

Publisher: Knopf

Blurb:

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 extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he’s just like them, despite appearances? (From Goodreads, 1st December 2013)

Review:

I was unsure about Wonder when I first heard about it. I was unsure for two reasons. Firstly, this is classed a children’s books, in America it would be aimed at ‘middle grade’ as far as I understand. I was skeptical because I thought that it would maybe be too childish for me. Secondly, despite a lot of people talking about this book on book tube and the book blogging world, and the numerous awards this novel has been given, I worried it was over-hyped. Hyped up books often end up being a let down for me. So I am often wary of such books.

However, Wonder was a wonder. It was simply fantastic. Well written, well planned, touching, breathtaking. Simply wonderful.

August is a boy with with a extreme facial deformity, and he is about to start School for the first time in his life, after being home schooled for the the first 4 grades. Starting school is tough. Starting school is hard when you are the new kid. But being the new kid who looks like August does, starting school is tougher. Will his classmates see past his face and accept him? Will they show kindness? Will they show fear? Anger? Friendship?

Wonder is a story about a journey, but written from multiple characters perspectives we begin to understand the journey much better. Wonder is a beautiful book, that would be fantastic in classrooms. There is so many topics that you could discuss with this novel, and it can teach all of us lessons no matter what age we are.

Wonder is a novel for everyone. It deals with a subject that I have never come across in the fiction world. The multiple narration throughout the novel keeps it fresh and allows us to understand different perspectives.

A book everyone should have on their shelves.

A book that is wonderful for discussion.

A book you must read.

5 out of 5