Book Review: Wonder

By R.J. Palacio 

5 Stars 

The book Wonder by R.J. Palacio is about the life of August Pullman, also known as Auggie, a boy with a facial deformity called mandibulofacial dysostosis. This book follows Auggie’s first time going to a regular school after being homeschooled by his mother up until this point. As Auggie begins school and is around other people more often, readers learn about the different struggles Auggie faces, such as bullying, self-esteem issues, and exclusion. However, as the story progresses, we see how Auggie manages to overcome these challenges, accept himself, and find true friends.     

I really enjoyed reading this book. One thing that I liked about the writing style is how it’s told through the perspective of multiple people, such as Auggie’s sister, Via, and his friend Jack Will, which helps the reader understand how others feel about Auggie and his effect on their lives. The book also shows really good examples of character growth. For example, we see how Auggie goes from being more timid and hiding behind an astronaut helmet to being more confident and sure of himself. We also see growth in characters like Jack Will, who definitely made some mistakes but still ended up being a great friend. Overall, I feel like this book has a lot of great messages. It teaches readers about the importance of sticking up for what you know is right. It also encourages readers to be empathetic towards others and to always be kind. Even though this is a book tailored to a younger audience, I would recommend it to everyone! 

Reviewed by Soha as part of the Teen Reviewer, opens a new window program

View in Library Catalogue: Print | View on cloudLibrary