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.
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER Millions of people have fallen in love with Auggie Pullman, an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face-who shows us that kindness brings us together no matter how far apart we are.Read the book that inspired the Choose Kind movement, a major motion picture, and the critically acclaimed graphic novel White Bird.
And don't miss R.J. Palacio's highly anticipated new novel, Pony, available now!
I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse.
August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid-but his new classmates can't get past Auggie's extraordinary face. Beginning from Auggie's point of view and expanding to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others, the perspectives converge to form a portrait of one community's struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance. In a world where bullying among young people is an epidemic, this is a refreshing new narrative full of heart and hope.
R.J. Palacio has called her debut novel "a meditation on kindness" -indeed, every reader will come away with a greater appreciation for the simple courage of friendship. Auggie is a hero to root for, a diamond in the rough who proves that you can't blend in when you were born to stand out.
'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.
Wonder is the first book since The Notebook to make me cry to sleep. So sad, emotional and powerful, this is a book everyone needs to be aware of.
August is a young boy that has a health condition, which is why his face looks different than other people’s faces. But he is just as normal and ordinary as any other kid.
When his parents decide it is time for him to go to school instead of being home-schooled, he is afraid. Because children are honest, and sometimes unintentionally mean,
“When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind.”
Wonder by R.J. Palacio is just a book that is here to remind us to be kind and to be humble. A book I highly recommend to everyone. I also recommend the movie as well, but only after you have read the book.
Wonder is the first book since The Notebook to make me cry to sleep. So sad, emotional and powerful, this is a book everyone needs to be aware of.
August is a young boy that has a health condition, which is why his face looks different than other people’s faces. But he is just as normal and ordinary as any other kid.
When his parents decide it is time for him to go to school instead of being home-schooled, he is afraid. Because children are honest, and sometimes unintentionally mean,
“When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind.”
During this book, we see August’s point of view, his daily life and making friends with Jack and Summer.... Read Full Review