Winner of the 'Best of the Best' children's category at the Independent Bookshop Week Awards 2016.
Chosen by Stylist magazine as one of the Cult Books of 2012.
Frank, powerful, warm and often heart-breaking, Wonder is a book you'll read in one sitting, pass on to others, and remember long after the final page. This is a wonderful debut from a storyteller with a great future if this book is anything to go by and her characters are intensely likeable.
You can discuss what you think of this book on Twitter - #thewonderofwonder.
Wonder is the funny, sweet and incredibly moving story of Auggie Pullman. Born with a terrible facial abnormality, this shy, bright ten-year-old has been home-schooled by his parents for his whole life, in an attempt to protect him from the stares and cruelty of the outside world. Now, for the first time, Auggie is being sent to a real school - and he's dreading it. 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, underneath it all? Through the voices of Auggie, his big sister Via, and his new friends Jack and Summer, Wonder follows Auggie's journey through his first year at Beecher Prep.
You can also see a trailer for this book by scrolling down the page, or visiting the author page.
'What a gem of a story. Moving and heart-warming. This book made me laugh, made me angry, made me cry' - Malorie Blackman
‘An uplifting, hopeful and important book.’ - The Bookseller
'A story of intense action and intense introspection . . . a beautifully told lesson in empathy that requires that the reader find sympathy for each of the principle actors in the story. Palacio is a wonderful storyteller and her characters are bright, well-rounded and intensely likeable. Wonder is a beautiful book that is full of sorrow and triumph, emotional without being manipulative - highly recommended.' - Cory Doctorow, boingboing.net
'Can I just say right now that I loved Wonder by R.J. Palacio? I want EVERYONE to read it. (That's right, I shouted!) In fact, if it were out right now I'd be buying copies to give to other people to read. I loved it, it was so sweet and real. It's sad, funny, inspiring, infuriating, eye opening and awesome! It's hard for me to express just how much I loved this book. It's an eye opener for any age' - Attack of the Book
'From the incredible first paragraph...you are hooked into August's life and boy what a life he leads. It's an emotional roller coaster as you find yourself wanting to protect this fictional character... The book is one that you continue to think about days after reading it. I was told it was geared to kids but really don't think that this is a book that can be pigeon holed into one genre. The writing is beautifully crafted to embrace the many complex emotions most of us has endured at one time or another. It also covers many difficulties that people of all ages continue to battle in adulthood. I'd be very surprised if this doesn't win awards.' - Mardixon.com
'The moment I began reading Wonder for the first time, I felt just like I had pulled the best prize out of a lucky dip, or I'd been told some unexpected and wonderful news - I knew I had something truly special in my hands..' Editor's Choice, Random House Librarians' Newsletter
Author
About R. J. Palacio
R. J. Palacio is a graphic designer by day and a writer by night. She lives in New York City with her family and a black dog called Bear. The Times chose her as one of their 100 people to watch in 2012.
