Wonder by R.J. Palacio

I have really enjoyed the first half of Wonder so far. I think the story includes a great message and is an honest story about what life is like for many kids. August Pullman is a young boy who was born with physical deformities stemming from a genetic mutation. He often feels different and not “normal”. The first half of this book focuses on how August is going to school for the first time in his life, as he had been home-schooled in the past. There is an argument over whether or not August should even be going to school because his parents have tried to shelter and protect him from other people. When they decide to send him to school August is extremely nervous and hopes that the other students will treat him like every other student at school.

The book is told in first-person with different parts of the book focusing on different characters in the story. The different points of view include Via, Jack, Charlotte and Summer. Via, Augusts’ sister, expresses in her section of the book that she often feels left out or left behind in his family. The sections of the book designated for August’ friends also include many personal feelings and stories. These points of view describe the feelings and relationships all his friends have. 

A part of the story that really impacted me was the section about Jack. Jack didn’t want to help August or be his friend originally. However, he feels guilty for treating him so poorly when they first met him. Jack really does want to be Augusts’ friend but ends up hurting him at Halloween. August overhears the Julian and Jack talking about him in class. Jack and Julian are talking bad about Auggie and say they would rather die than look like him. This is especially impactful on August because it was on Halloween, a day he was looking forward to for so long and felt like he would be treated normally. 

Throughout the book August struggles with his adjustment to school and with everyone around him. He feels like everyone stares and makes fun of him. I think the lessons in the book about bullying and not judging people before getting to know them is important and can be brought into the classroom. August pushes through the struggles he faces and perseveres in his new environment. 

In my opinion, this book has been the best book we have read so far, and I am looking forward to the second half. I am interested to see what other perspective show up in the book and how August continues to build his confidence and relationships.