Wonder

310 pages

Recommended for 5th - 7th grades

A rare facial deformity leaves Auggie with many challenges.  Auggie reluctantly enrolls in school after homeschooling for many years and must navigate the sometimes kind and sometimes cruel world of school.  This powerful story addresses topics of acceptance, belonging, compassion, bullying and the power of family connections.  It is a well-written story told from multiple points of view.  The characters will resonate with readers and evoke strong emotional responses to a range of positive and negative school experiences.  This title lends itself to classroom discussions that promote empathy and kindness. There is a movie version of the same title that is well done; however, take time to read the book first and then consider a movie follow-up.   

About the Author:  

R. J. Palacio was the art director for several publishing companies before she wrote her debut novel, Wonder.  Her idea came from a personal experience when her young child asked about a child with a facial deformity and Palacio was dissatisfied with her own response. This title has been on the New York Times bestseller list since 2012 and has sold 5 million copies. The book’s success has inspired the Choose Kind movement and has been read by children around the world.  Her website provides additional information about her writing and other related titles.  https://wonderthebook.com/

 Pathways Themes:  Friends and Family, Personal Feelings and Growth, Social Issues and Culture

 Reviewed by Cheryl The, PhD

Professor of Education

Southwestern Adventist University

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