Book Review of Wonder
The Children’s Book Review
Wonder
Written by R.J. Palacio
Ages 10+ | 320 Pages
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers | ISBN-13: 978037586902
What to Expect: Disabilities, Self-Esteem, and Kindness
Kindness is an outstanding trait we all possess, so long as we choose to access it. It is an essential aspect of being human.
In the captivating, award-winning New York Times bestselling novel Wonder by R.J. Palacio, the theme of exhibiting kindness is explored in an inspiring way. The story revolves around a 10-year-old boy named August Pullman living with rare facial deformities. Auggie, as he is affectionately called, yearns to be accepted for who he is and not judged based on his looks. Due to having had 27 surgeries, both big and small, and lots of illness, August (Auggie), up until now, has been home-schooled.
Through Palacio’s vivid writing, readers journey through Auggie’s first year in school and see through the eyes of fifth-grade classmates and his sister, guiding us through valuable insights into the process of accepting someone different from us. Wonder is a heartwarming tale of bravery, love, and kindness. It is a call to action for us to strive towards our best selves and to choose kindness in every situation. This powerful and inspiring book has been a global phenomenon, with Auggie’s story inspiring a growing movement of compassion and empathy toward others.
Reading Wonder will undoubtedly help you embrace its message and become a part of this growing movement.
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About the Author
R. J. Palacio was born and raised in New York City. She attended the High School of Art and Design and the Parsons School of Design, where she majored in illustration with the hopes of someday following in the footsteps of her favorite childhood author-illustrators, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Maurice Sendak, and the D’Aulaires. She was a graphic designer and art director for many years before writing Wonder.
We’re All Wonders, which is based conceptually on the themes of her novel, represents the fulfillment of her dream to write and illustrate her own picture book. R.J. is also the author of Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories and 365 Days of Wonder: Mr. Browne’s Book of Precepts. She lives in Brooklyn, where she is surrounded by magical water towers, with her husband, their two sons, and their two dogs, Bear and Beau.
Learn more about her at https://wonderthebook.com/about or on Twitter at @RJPalacio.
What to Read Next if You Love Wonder
- Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories, by R. J. Palacio
- 365 Days of Wonder: Mr. Browne’s Book of Precepts, R. J. Palacio
- Out of My Mind, by Sharon Draper
Bianca Schulze reviewed Wonder. Discover more books like Wonder by reading our reviews and articles tagged with disabilities, self-esteem, kindness, and family.