Wonder

Written by R. J. Palacio

Narrated by Diana Steele, Kate Rudd and Nick Podehl

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

Auggie wants to be an ordinary ten-year-old. He does ordinary things — eating ice cream, playing on his Xbox. He feels ordinary — inside. But ordinary kids don't make other ordinary kids run away screaming in playgrounds. Ordinary kids aren't stared at wherever they go.

Born with a terrible facial abnormality, Auggie has been homeschooled by his parents his whole life. Now, for the first time, he's being sent to a real school — and he's dreading it. All he wants is to be accepted — but can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, underneath it all?

Wonder is a funny, frank, astonishingly moving debut to read in one sitting, pass on to others, and remember long after it ends.

A Random House UK audio production.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Random House UK Audio
• Release date: Apr 8, 2012
• ISBN: 9781448123940

R. J. Palacio

R.J. Palacio lives in New York City with her husband, two sons, and two dogs. For more than twenty years, she was an editorial director, an art director, and a graphic designer working on books for other people while waiting for the perfect time in her life to start writing her own novel. But one day several years ago, a chance encounter with an extraordinary child in front of an ice cream store made R.J. realize that the perfect time to write that book had finally come. Learn more about the author at RJPalacio.com. R. J. Palacio is available for select readings and lectures. To inquire about a possible appearance, please contact the Random House Speakers Bureau at [e-mail].

Reviews for Wonder

[beth.clarke · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

My son, who will enter 5th grade this fall, told me I had to read this book. It makes me quite proud that my son loves this story. Wonder is full of compassion for others and how to be "a little kinder than necessary." Every fifth grader should read this book. They'll identify with one of the characters and learn a little about themselves as the story unfolds. As a teacher, I loved Mr. Browne's Precepts. I may even work a few of these into my lessons. Wonderful book, R.J. Palacio!

[mhanover10 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed this book. It's really good for middle school kids about how to accept people no matter what they look like and if they are really different than you because inside we are all the same.

[zabetreading · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This and other reviews can be found on Reading Between Classes

Cover Impressions: I love the mysterious nature of the image here and the incorporation of the title.

The Gist: August Pullman was born with a facial deformity that invites stares and begs questions whenever he goes out in public. Having been home-schooled for most of his life, Auggie is about to embark on his first year of middle school. Wonder chronicles his year as a fifth grader as he tries to show is classmates that he is just an average kid, despite his appearance

Review:
Wonder is honest and thought provoking. For a book that follows a fifth grader, albeit a very unique fifth grader, it has a remarkable level of depth. It presents emotional moments, but in a way that is palatable for a general audience. Perhaps my main criticism is that it did not go quite far enough. I was waiting for the heart wrenching moment that would cement Wonder in my mind, but it never happened. It was a sweet novel, with some sad moments and some insight into the world of a child that is just trying to fit it - but I don't really feel that I will remember this book in a year's time.

The novel was written in sections, each one from the perspective of a different character. I enjoyed this, particularly when the sections over-lapped and was able to see the same actions through a different point of view. The one caveat, was the section from Justin, Via's boyfriend. There was a distinct lack of punctuation that I found frustrating (is the boy allergic to capital letters?) and distracting. It left me wondering why his section was given this treatment when the chapters from the fifth grader's POVs were perfectly written?

To be honest, even despite these few flaws, Wonder was well on its way to a 5 star rating until I hit the ending. In the last 1/4 of the novel, an incident occurs in which August's bullies come to his aid. From this point on, everyone loves him (in a very patronizing, pat on the head kind of way). Even his main tormenter is suddenly made unpopular and eventually changes schools. It all seemed a little too sunshiney for me.

No tears here, but I do admit it was a sweet, touching book that may convince the reader to take a look at how they can show kindness every day, and what a difference that kindness can make.

Teaching/Parental Notes:

Age: 12 and up
Gender: Both
Sex: None
Violence: Kid Fighting: Shoving, Punching
Inappropriate Language: None
Substance Use/Abuse: Smoking

Notable Quotables:

When discussing whether or not they should be dating: "'Yeah, I agree,' said August. 'Which is kind of a shame, you know, what with all those babes who keep throwing themselves at me and stuff?'"

"Shall we make a new rule of life ... always to try to be a little kinder than necessary?"

[heatherlinc · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This book should have been a real success, but it wasn't. Overall, it was just flat. Whilst I felt sorry for August struggling to be accepted in his new school, I didn't really connect with him. He was a strong character, but something was missing to make him engaging. Also, the author used a number of voices to give their points of views, but some were weak and sounded the same, and others were missing (August's parents for example). The author's message wasn't subtle - in fact I thought it was too heavy handed, especially near the end. I was hoping this would be an inspirational book similar to "The Running Dream" and "Whisper" but it just didn't deliver.

[cougargirl1967 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A great book, I enjoyed it more than the movie! Seeing many sides to the story gave it so much more depth.

[jothebookgirl · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Auggie is ready to start 5th grade but Auggie has never been to school. He was borned with a deformed face and has had many surgeries but still people who see his face are repulsed. His mama has home schooled him but he is a regular 10 year old boy who likes friends and video games. Auggie has a sweet and understanding nature and is very intelligent but nobody ever stops to talk to him to find out that he is a real person. His dad comments that sending Auggie to school is like sending a lamb to slaughter. He doesn't know what that means but he finds out all in the fifth grade at school.

Quote from The Guardian: "This is an incredible book. The story-telling is marvellous, the styling superb and the honest, raw truth is: heart-breaking.

It offers up a harsh critique of our society and, finally, subtle praise for those people who dare to break out of the mould and stand up for what they believe in."

My Opinion:Will this be the Newbery winner come January 2013? I bet it will.

[howifeelaboutbooks · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wonder is one of those books I heard so much about - people loved it, the beautifully simplistic cover was posted everywhere around the Internet, libraries, bookstores. I knew I wanted to read it, even though I didn't actually know what it was about. So I started with the first page and was absolutely drawn in. August Pullman got a bad mix of genes from his parents, which resulted in a cleft jaw, ears that weren't fully formed, drooping eyes, and more. He had been homeschooled by his mother, but once he turned ten, she thought it was time for him to start "real" school. The book deals with Auggie's fifth grade year, all the lessons he and his family learns, and all the people he encounters. Auggie is the main narrator, but many chapters are narrated by his old sister, Via, her boyfriend, and August's friends at school. I thought the book was great because it was so interesting, and after a time, you forgot what August looked like, just as those who knew him did, until someone new came into the scene with their reactions. It seemed very honest in the way it addressed how the public in general reacts to people who are different from them. Honest without a hint of judgement, just acknowledging that most people initially react to such a thing, then hitting home the point that all the world needs is kindness. Or, to be more specific, a little more kindness than is necessary. I especially loved August's sense of humor about himself, and Mr. Browne's monthly precepts - it makes me want to be an English teacher, just to use his idea!

[robinsonstef · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wonder by R.J. Palacio was one of the best books I have ever read. I instantly liked the main character, Auggie, and my heart went out to him. Getting to know him was fun because he is just like a lot of kids I know and I love his sense of humor. Auggie’s story made me think about how the students at my school would treat someone who looked so different from everyone else. The book was broken into sections and we got to learn about Auggie’s fifth grade experience through the eyes of some of the other characters. At first I thought I wouldn’t like this, but it actually turned out to be quite fascinating. I liked the change in perspective and it really made me think about how everyone close to him felt. If the author had only told the story from Auggie’s point of view then I really wouldn’t have been able to see the whole picture. I think anyone from 4th grade and up should read this remarkable book. If everyone read it they would know how important it is to be kinder than necessary. I know, if starting today, we were all a little kinder- the world would be a better place for everyone. When you read this book you will laugh out loud and you will cry. You will discover what it means to be a better person and you will find out some universal truths. You will learn how to deal with the mean people you encounter. One thing is for sure- you will not be the same person when you get to the end of the book. You will be better!

[carlathelibrarian · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I wanted to read this book before seeing the movie. I was expecting a sad story but was pleasantly surprised. August (Auggie) was going to school for the first time in grade 5. He did not want to go, but his parents convinced him it was time and that his mother, who had home schooled him, was not able to teach him what he needed to know. This is the story of the great courage and character it took for this boy to face the harsh, often cruel and judgmental world of school, one day at a time, and not only survive, but grow. It is a very moving story and probably a good one for middle-school children to read to learn more about what it feels like to be so different on the outside yet only desiring to be seen as normal and to be accepted. The ending was a bit too happy for me. Having taught in the school system, I know it is not that easy to change people's perceptions. I liked that they included Olivia and how Auggie's facial anomaly effected her life as well. It is hard to be the sibling of a child with a physical or developmental issue. It is important that parents read this book as well. It is true that a lot of the things that were said or done to Auggie and Jack were condoned by adults in a way by allowing it and supporting it. A book that all ages could learn something from.

[gypsysmom_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I have not seen the film that is based on this book but I'm sure it got lots of attention when it came out. Who wouldn't want to like a story about a child with a horrible facial deformity who overcomes all disgust and bullying by just being a nice kid. The book has a very positive message about self-esteem and kindness and being a friend so it would be a good choice for a school literature course. As a rather jaded senior I found it a little too pat. I read it because it was chosen by my book club for our December 2018 read. It probably was a good choice for this festive time of year.August Pullman lives in New York with his mother father and older sister. He was born with severe facial deformities which necessitated many surgeries and hospital stays. Because of this his mother home schooled him until he turned eleven. Then he was enrolled in a nearby private school in Grade 5. It would be an adjustment for any child to start attending school for the first time and August (Auggie) at first doesn't want to go. The principal arranges for him to have a tour of the school with three of his future classmates as guides. Two of the kids are okay but Julian is one of those kids who puts on a good face for adults but is cut-throat in his treatment of classmates. From the first he picks on Auggie and his mistreatment escalates throughout the school year. August does manage to attract some friends including one of the boys who first showed him the school, Jack. There is also a girl, Summer, who befriends him in the cafeteria the first day. A few others are somewhat friendly but Julian is doing his best to turn the class against Auggie. There are the usual crises culminating in one huge fracas while the class is on a nature retreat. Meanwhile Auggie's sister, Olivia, is trying to handle her own friendship problems at a new school. She figures that her parents have enough to handle with Auggie so she doesn't tell them anything. She doesn't exactly resent Auggie but she does feel that her life gets a lot less attention than his. Despite his facial deformities it seems to me that August is a pretty lucky kid. His parents are caring and wise and, obviously, pretty well off. The book never discusses what the father does for his job but the mother used to be a graphic designer who stopped when August was born. They must have good medical coverage though to be able to afford all the care August has needed. Also both of their children go to private schools which cannot be cheap. The facial deformities don't seem to have much in the way of side-effects other than the obvious. I was reminded of the movie Mask about the life of Rocky Dennis while I was reading this book. Rocky had a much harder life and he died very young. His story, to me, seemed much more realistic.

[startwithgivens · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Two days and effectively three sittings is all it took for me to read this book. I absolutely loved the telling of a unique fifth-grade experience. Middle school is difficult for everybody and each individual faces their own challenges, and I really liked how real every character in the story felt. I also really enjoyed that antagonists came in to forms of both parents and children. I liked that friendships were broken and repaired. I like that the characters suffered loss. I like that the characters experienced joy. There was nothing about this book that I felt was unreal or untrue to a child's experience- craniofacial abnormality or not. I strongly recommend reading this book before seeing the movie, and even if you have no intention on seeing the movie I think this book is an important read for anybody who ever will or has ever interacted with an individual with a visible deformity.

[bookworm12_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A boy with severe facial deformities caused by a diaereses starts at his first real school. The fifth grade class is full of unexpected friends and petty bullies and he has to overcome his fears. I'd heard so much about this book before I finally read it that I'd assumed I knew what to expect. While I did know that majority of the premise, I was surprised by the multiple POVs. I loved seeing Auggie's world through the eyes of his often overlooked sister Via, his new friend Jake, and others. I loved his family dynamic and watching the impact their kindness had on those around them.

[dknight0918 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I listened to the audiobook. I really enjoyed how they used different voices for the different character sections. I hope the movie is at least half as good as the book. I just want to give August a big old hug. Highly recommend this one to people of all ages.

[cdyankeefan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wonder by RJ Palacio is truly that- a wonder. The book revolves around Augie, a middle schooler born with cranialfacial deformities and his integration into the school system. The books themes range from fear, bullying, understanding and finally acceptance. Wonder also examines the impact of a child’s deformity on his family as a whole. I absolutely, positively love this book.

[karenvg3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Ahhhhhh I don't know why I waited so long to read this. Thank god there is a movie coming out so that it got me to read it. I LOVED it. The power of positivity, and true kindness wins out. Auggie is a true hero and an inspiration for everyone. First 5 ⭐️ of the year.

[aratiel · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A really great book about the capacity for human kindness and strength. There were some editing errors and I thought some of the dialogue needed polishing, but overall this was beautiful.

[swibells · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wonder was absolutely beautiful. It was one of the realest book I've ever read. I could feel Auggie so truly, I felt as if he was my little brother in real life. 


The story itself was wonderful. And I'm finding it hard to write a review because it was just that good! I mean, I can't fathom criticizing a single moment from the book, much less the whole thing. 


So I guess you can imagine that I'm a fan already, and I'll let you know that I've just borrowed all the other novellas from the Wonder series as well as the movie. 


So now I'll stop writing this, insist you to read this absolutely amazing book and take my leave to go watch the movie!

[varwenea · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

“When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind.”The theme of kindness coursed through the veins and heart of this book via the laughter-filled family of 10-year-old August (Auggie) Pullman, his dad Nat, mom Isabel, sister Olivia (Via), despite challenges. Auggie was born with craniofacial abnormalities, an extreme case that required multiple surgeries throughout his young life to make him ‘functional’ but still leaves him visually different. Having been homeschooled due to the many surgeries, Auggie attends school for the first time as a 5th grader in the shark pool of middle schoolers. :PThe subject of this book could have easily been handled heavy-handedly to draw tears (his many pains, staring, humiliations) and aww’s (his triumphs). But Palacio finds the right balance via the perspectives from Auggie, Via, his friends, and her friends to message lessons, the progression of time through 5th grade (I quite like how she inched forward in time via each perspective), and the eventual attitude changes. Each person subtly expressed their viewpoints, frustrations and elations in a matter-of-fact manner. They are kids. They feel things, they observe things. Things just are, and they roll with things rather than over-analyze. This approach makes the book feels plausible and subsequently lovable. I adored the movie first, then finished this YA book in one seating. For parents of young children, this is a excellent book to read together and discuss the topics of empathy, bullying, steadfastness, friendship, emotional intelligence, the have vs. the have-not, being a protector, being a good listener, being true to oneself, yielding to those in need but never forgetting oneself, etc. I can go on and on, but you get the gist. From Isabel:“’Thank you, Auggie,’ she answered softly. ‘For what?’‘For everything you’ve given us,’ she said. ‘For coming into our lives. For being you.’She bent down and whispered in my ear. ‘You really are a wonder, Auggie. You are a wonder.’” Favorite Character: Via – It could easily be Auggie, but Via’s big-sister heart is unbeatable. Frankly, every character is perfect as he/she is. Even the dog is perfect. Can you tell I like this book? Some quotes:On plastic surgery – a 10-year-old’s perspective:“We nodded and looked down at our books. Then Jack whispered: ‘Are you always going to look this way, August? I mean, can’t you get plastic surgery or something?’I smiled and pointed to my face. ‘Hello? This is after plastic surgery!’Jack clapped his hand over forehead and started laughing hysterically.‘Dude, you should sue your doctor!’ he answered between giggles.This time the two of us were laughing so much we couldn’t stop…”On our actions – Auggie’s write-up on “Your deeds are your monuments.”:“This precept means that we should be remembered for the things we do. The things we do are the most important things of all. They are more important than what we say or what we look like. The things we do outlast our mortality. The things we do are like monuments that people build to honor heroes after they’ve died. They’re like the pyramids that the Egyptians built to honor the pharaohs. Only instead of being made out of stone, they’re made out of the memories people have of you. That why your deeds are like your monuments, Built with memories instead of stone.”On a grandparent’s love – from Via. This broke my heart a bit and made me love Via more:“’…I love Auggie very, very much…. But he has many angels looking out for him already, Via. And I want you to know that you have me looking out for you…’ She looked out at the ocean and spread her hands out, like she was trying to smooth out the waves, ‘You are my everything. You understand me, Via?...’ I understood her. And I knew why she said it was a secret. Grandmothers aren’t supposed to have favorites. Everyone knows that. But after she died, I held on to that secret and let it cover me like a blanket.”On a person’s fragileness – about Via:“… i know, I know, I say, soothing her. you’re entitled, olivia. you’ve dealt with a lot your whole life.olivia reminds me of a bird sometimes, how her feather get all ruffled when she’s mad. and when she’s fragile like this, she’s a little lost bird looking for its nest.so I give her my wing to hide under.”On the universe’s randomness – about Auggie:“…miranda’s words keep coming back: the universe was not kind to auggie pullman…. she once mentioned that some doctor told her parents that the odds of someone getting the same combination of syndromes that came together to make auggie’s face were like one in four million. so doesn’t that make the universe a giant lottery, then? You purchase a ticket when you’re born. And it’s all just random where you get a good ticket or a bad ticket. It’s all just luck. my head swirls on this… if it really was all random, the universe would abandon us completely. and the universe doesn’t. it takes care of its most fragile creations in ways we can’t see. like with parents who adore you blindly. and a big sister who feels guilty for being human over you. and a little gravelly-voice kid whose friends have left him over you. and even a pink-haired girl who carries your picture in her wallet. maybe it is a lottery, but the universe makes it all even out in the end. the universe takes care of all its birds.”

[theeclecticreview · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

"I know I’m not an ordinary ten-year-old kid…I know ordinary kids don’t make other kids run away screaming in playgrounds. I know ordinary kids don’t get scared at wherever they go. My name is August, by the way, I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse."August may not look like an ordinary kid, but he loves to do things that ordinary kids like to do such as play games, joke with friends, and do things with family. He was born with a facial malformation and has undergone extensive, painful surgeries that have eventually improved many factors of this life. However, the kids at his new school don’t understand why August is different. As August says, “They were just being normal dumb kids.” You see August has been home schooled by his mother all his life and she finally decided that it may be beneficial for August to go to school and try to interact with kids his own age. At first, he wasn’t thrilled with the idea, but he made a few friends and he really liked going to school, until he runs into some problems that may change his mind. This book is ultimately about August and how life effects him and is not only written in his point of view, but in other points of view such as his sister Via, his new friend Jack and Summer and others he meets on the way which are very important to the story as well.How can I express my feelings for this book? It is funny, moving and thought provoking. It is wonderfully written and the characters are real. I recommend that everyone of all ages read this book and hopefully it will make you reflect on your life and how you feel about yourself and others. One could only hope to become the person that August is. August is COOL BEANS!Thank you to R.J. Palacio, Random House Children's Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to review this book.

[debbiesbooknook · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is one of the best books I've read. I recommend it wholeheartedly to both kids and adults. I honestly feel it should be a required book for middle school students. Although parts of the story are upsetting (and made me cry) it also filled my heart with compassion and hope. I read this book in 2015, but since the movie will be out later this year, I'm re-posting my review. Wonder should definitely be on your to-read list. I might actually read it again myself!

[sweetiegherkin · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

August, a young boy born with a rare combination of diseases has serious facial abnormalities as a result. He's been homeschooled his whole life until now -- the start of junior high school -- when his parents decide to enroll him a prep school. Starting junior is hard enough, but starting it is the new kids is even harder. But starting junior high as the new kid with a face people stare at all the time? August knows it will be difficult....One of the things I really liked about this book was its multiple narrators. We see the first year of August's middle school career pass through the eyes of his sister and other kids as school in addition to Auggie's point of view. This broadens the scope of the reader's understanding, and we learn more about August and his school as a result of the many perspectives. We also see how everyone is dealing with something of their own (deceased parent, tight budgets and difficult choices, bullying, etc.), which really helps hammer in the book's overall message about being kind to others, especially as we don't always know their whole situation. For the audiobook listener, multiple narrators help to craft these characters into life.

[cmt100 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I'm glad I read it.

[carmacreator · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a wonderful book about kindness. It gives the perspective of a boy with a visible "birth defect".

Auggie has a cranial abnormality, but he still has normal intelligence. So he's very self-aware about his condition and how people see him. The author shows us how Auggie knows the way people look and talk about him. While acknowledging that often it's not malicious, it still hurts.

Throughout the book, you read perspectives of other characters and see lots of different sides to his story. It would be a great book to read to younger children (8 years) to help develop an understanding and empathy towards others who are different.

[stiina.sild · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Okay! This is one of those books, where five stars are too little. Book about not so ordinary boy in ordinary school. Novel that teach us all tolerance and consideration. Clearly, this is also that kind of book, which left you speechless (like I am right now).

[books_ofa_feather · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Actual rating: 2.5I feel like my review for this could potentially get me in trouble with people who absolutely love it. I have wanted to read this book since it came out and for one reason or another it kept getting pushed to the side again and again. I continue to have many people in my day to day who can't say enough about it and assured me "IT'S AMAZING!". I added it to my #24in48 pile and probably would have finished during the readathon (which I did complete), but it wasn't capturing my attention well and my heartstrings weren't being pulled on much, if any. I know I could be coming off as the the type of person who decides because everyone else loves something, I should be the one person to 'hate' it. I'm not being that person and I didn't hate it. However, I notice more and more it is difficult to walk into books, and movies, 'blind'. "No spoilers" only has a short window of acceptance before it is your own fault if you haven't picked it up to read because it is has, after all, been out long enough it is no longer a spoiler's fault. I need to work on not developing preconceived notions. I was ready for Wonder to be wonderful, great, make me cry even. It had it's "awww, cute" moments, but nothing substantial enough to make me remember it 10 years from now, let alone a year from now. Saying this out loud makes me want to have a Grinch moment and check the size of my heart because I'm wondering if I'm that person.I don't read middle grade often and when I do I have this high expectation based on others that have stuck with me. Last year I read "Counting by 7s" and was so pleasantly surprised by its wit and character attachment it was difficult to read Wonder and not make comparisons; even though the stories are different, though both are facing adversity in their 'world'. I really wanted to like this book. I wanted it to leave an impact and perhaps I was expecting too much based on everyone telling me it was soooo amazing. And maybe I'm not the person for this book, but I didn't hate it...I just didn't fall head over heels in love with it, and that's okay.

[edensteffey · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

So so so good!

[tiffy_reads · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Everyone should read this book at least once. Always choose kindness.

[begivens · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Two days and effectively three sittings is all it took for me to read this book. I absolutely loved the telling of a unique fifth-grade experience. Middle school is difficult for everybody and each individual faces their own challenges, and I really liked how real every character in the story felt. I also really enjoyed that antagonists came in to forms of both parents and children. I liked that friendships were broken and repaired. I like that the characters suffered loss. I like that the characters experienced joy. There was nothing about this book that I felt was unreal or untrue to a child's experience- craniofacial abnormality or not. I strongly recommend reading this book before seeing the movie, and even if you have no intention on seeing the movie I think this book is an important read for anybody who ever will or has ever interacted with an individual with a visible deformity.

[greeniezona · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It's not often that my twelve-year-old insists that I read one of his books. It's far more common that he just reads a book over and over and eventually I become curious and borrow it for a bit. Yet for Wonder he insisted. Kept bringing it to me, multiple times. Would pick it up when it was near me and search it for a bookmark to see if I'd started yet.Of course I gave in.I have a lot of feelings about the movie adaptation that I saw WAY too soon after reading the book, but I will try to focus on the actual book here.I can see why this book is so beloved, and why so many teachers in particular are over the moon about it. I thought it was one of those rare books that successfully represents the daily drama of being young. The stake were so well-balanced in this book -- just high enough without being melodramatic -- with moments of kindness that never devolved into saccharine stickiness. And, I mean, the themes of kindness and inclusion and bravery and loyalty. Auggie is inspirational without being inspiration porn -- he often reminds us that he is just living his life.I did find the switches between perspectives a little jarring. While I appreciated them, especially Via's and Jack's, they also made me antsy -- I felt like I was missing Auggie's perspective for some parts of the story.Thoroughly absorbing.And better than the movie.

[pattyhoward · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is absolutely lovely. Any reader (maybe 3rd grade an above) would love this story. My children are not huge fans of realistic fiction, and they absolutely adored reading about Augie and his family. It is sweet, uplifting, and has a critical message, yet it doesn't feel preachy or overbearing at all.