Review: Wonder

   

Title: Wonder
Author: R.J. Palacio

Series: None
Pages: 310

Publisher: Random House
Release Date: March 1st 2012 (UK)
Source: For Review
Rating: 5 stars
100 Book challenge: #19

I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse. 

August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school—until now. He's about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, and if you've ever been the new kid then you know how hard that can be. 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, despite appearances? 

R. J. Palacio has written a spare, warm, uplifting story that will have readers laughing one minute and wiping away tears the next. With wonderfully realistic family interactions (flawed, but loving), lively school scenes, and short chapters, Wonder is accessible to readers of all levels.

Wonder is a beautifully written book that needs to be in every school, library and book shop. It is something everyone, both children and adults, could use reading. We all need to learn how to be sensitive to these types of issues.

Auggie is the most loveable little boy with such a big heart that you can't help but love him. The courage and bravery he has to deal with what he has and still go on with life smiling makes me want to have his strength. When you first start reading his facial disfigurement is a big part but as you continuing reading you forgot and that is how it needs to be. It is not who he is, just like our appearances aren't who we are. They are just the surface. Underneath the surface August is just incredible.

The alternating perspective between many characters gave an all-rounded view of the situation, from August to his family members, to friends. You could see how it felt from all sides and I really loved that. It showed how much his family loved him, his sister especially. It was so touching to see.

I could babble about this for ages but I would rather you just read it. Whether these types of books are what you enjoy or not this is something you need to read. Get your tissues at the ready, some of Auggie's one liners broke me.