Wonder - R. J. Palacio

Wonder by R. J. Palacio

I came to work with everyone already talking about this book. Though it has been published for more than a year, people still cannot get enough of this book. My co-workers pushed this book on my and I greedily read it in a day. There is definite reason for all the talk.

This is R. J. Palacio’s first novel which she has dubbed “a meditation on kindness”. It’s the story of August (Auggie) Pullman, a fifth grader who was born with severe facial deformity. His whole life he has been homeschooled but his parents have made the decision for him to try something Auggie thought he would never experience: actual middle school. He wants nothing more than to be treated like a normal kid but his classmates just seem the get past Auggie’s face. Auggie’s face is never fully described. The book starts with him saying “I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse”. You do find out, however, that he has a cleft palate, deformed ears, droopy eyes, and an oddly shaped mouth. But you, as a reader, will never linger on those features. More striking about Auggie is his dedication to Star Wars (down to a jedi rat tail braid), his xbox skills, and his love and dedication to his dog, Daisy. I dare you not to be charmed by Auggie. I dare you not to root for him and not to cry when reading Wonder.

This book is told from several different perspectives: of course Auggie, his older sister Via, Via’s boyfriend, and Auggie’s friend Summer and Jack. These rotating perspectives keep the story fresh. The characters in this book  are upbeat and funny. You will be in tears laughing along with them. But you will also be in tears at the cruelty of fifth graders.

 I can’t even properly describe how much I enjoyed this book. Frankly, I think it should be read by every elementary, middle, high school, college, master’s program, PHD, person, animal and plant on this earth. Others agree with me and in fact, a movement called “CHOOSE KIND” has sparked because of this book. There are teacher resources for lesson plans and a pledge to do one act of kindness can make a huge impact. This book is beautiful, perfectly written, and incredible; really and truly a story of courage, kindness, and wonder.

One of my favorite quotes in this book come from Auggie, “Everyone in the world should get a standing ovation at least once in their life because we all overcometh the world”

Visit the CHOOSE KIND tumblr and sign the pledge.

http://choosekind.tumblr.com/