Book Review: Wonder By R.J. Palacio

“Kinder than is necessary. Because it's not enough to be kind. One should be kinder than needed.”
― R.J. Palacio, Wonder

It’s been a long time since I last read a children’s story, and although Wonder was definitely written for children; it was a wonderful reading experience. It was like going back to the 5^th grade, when things were simple, but not really.

August (Auggie) Pullman is a 10-year-old boy born with a facial deformity. The story centers on Auggie’s first year of school, the vexations and excitements of fifth grade and how he navigates the waters of middle school; made more complex by his facial deformity.

Wonder isn’t some wordy examination of life with a facial deformity, it is a look into the lives of everyone affected by this “deformity” and how they deal with it; whether that be with ignorance or acceptance, love or hatred.

During the story, we hear from his sister and various friends what it is like to live with Auggie and how, after the initial shock of his face, they find him to be a regular boy with likes and dislikes; problems and solutions. That isn’t to say Auggie isn’t remarkable, because he is remarkable, and not because he has a“deformity,” but because in spite of this, he is strong.

This story filled me with fierce emotions, anger (at cruel bullies), sadness (for what Auggie has to go through every day), but in the end I felt triumphant, like I was standing by Auggie, victorious against the odds. It helped me to think of my blessings and refrain from self-pity. R.J. Palacio is a superb writer, crafting a swiftly-moving, page-turner with a simple message: be kinder than you need to be. 

Have you already read Wonder? Please tell us what you thought by leaving a comment…