Author/Illustrator: R.J. Palacio
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Grade level: 3-8
Wonder is a moving novel about a boy, Auggie, with a facial deformity that caused him to not go to school until 5th grade. When he finally decided to come to school, he becomes friends with a boy named Jack right off the bat even though many other kids at school just ignored or even badmouthed Auggie. He and Jack spend all of their time together until Jack betrays him on Halloween by badmouthing him with all of the other cruel kids with Auggie sitting at the desk beside them with a mask on. Once Jack finds that Auggie is ignoring him because of this, he feels horrible and eventually gets into a fight with Auggie's biggest bully, Julian. In the end, all the fifth graders go on a camping trip and Jack and Auggie start getting harassed by seventh graders all because of Auggie's looks. Other fifth grade boys see what is happening and step in to help. This is a turning point because Auggie's peers finally accept him, and his fifth grade year ends in success and happiness.
The illustrations were created by the writer as well, R.J. Palacio. She created the cover to show an abstract version of the main character, Auggie. The one-eyed look was not necessarily meant to be representational, but to show the essence of his character. There are only illustrations on the cover and end pages and they are done very simplistically.
This book is an amazing chapter book that I think all middle school children should read, whether that be a read aloud or read to self. This book gives a great perspective on people's lives. It is very emotional and inspirational. It teaches a very important message of acceptance and the causes of bullying. I would suggest this to readers from the ages of nine to thirteen, but really it is a great read for any age.
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