Wonder (Wonder, #1) in WACKY READING CHALLENGES

Jun 01, 2014 Book Concierge rated it really liked it

Shelves: coming-of-age, audio, debut, new-york, young-adult, concierge, library, friendship, children-s-literature

From the book jacket
August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school – until now. He’s about to enter fifth 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?

My reactions
This is a wonderful debut novel dealing with bullying and courage. From the book jacket
August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school – until now. He’s about to enter fifth 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?

My reactions
This is a wonderful debut novel dealing with bullying and courage. Auggie is an endearing 10-year-old, who, despite his extraordinary face, is really just an ordinary kid; he likes ice cream, riding his bike, Star Wars, and his X-Box. But he’s been sheltered at home and doesn’t have all the social skills he needs to navigate the “deep-end-of-the pool” that middle school represents. Still, he’s courageous, resourceful, and knows he can rely on at least one friend who has seen past his face to the find the great kid that he is.

The novel is told from various perspectives. We hear from Auggie, his older sister Via, her boyfriend Justin, and Auggie’s friends Jack and Summer. There are scenes that broke my heart and made me want to jump into the pages of the book to hug Auggie and assure him that things would get better. There are scenes that had me cheering for Auggie and Jack as they took a stand. The ultimate message is clear: We should all strive to be kinder than necessary. It is also uplifting: Everyone in the world should have a standing ovation at least once in their lives.

A couple of things in the story did bother me. No adult stepped in to stop the bullying. Yes, I realize that Auggie and his friends refused to go to any adult to report what was happening, but it’s clear by the end of the novel that at least one adult recognized the pattern of behavior, and apparently did nothing. I was also bothered by Via’s troubles as she also found herself an outsider in a new school. Parents that were portrayed as sensitive and nurturing seemed to not notice at all that their daughter was struggling and so very unhappy. There were times when I felt worse for Via than for Auggie.

But this is a book written for a middle-school audience and I think the message is one that is empowering to children. You can choose to be nice despite how others treat you, and your worth is not dependent on how popular you are, or on who finds you attractive. Important precepts for all of us to adopt.
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Apr 15, 2015 Marybeth rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: standalones

This is by far my favorite book of all times. I am so glad i finally read this and would highly recommend it. I liked hearing from the different views but at first it took me a couple of pages to get used to a different character. August is by far my favorite character in the story. The story was very funny and even made me tear up in a few parts. Just amazing!

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Mar 12, 2024 Lisa rated it liked it

Shelves: 2024

3 1/2*****

I would have rated it higher except for one thing that really upset me. I wont say what that is though. I liked The book so much other than that one part.

August was likeable and I liked his family quite a bit. I liked the teacher quite a bit as well.

Heartwarming and charming with some sad parts in it.

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May 01, 2019 Elle rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 5-star-reads

Wow. I loved this so much. A very honest portrait of a child with a disability. This is so lovely and so heart-wrenching at the same time. August is the best character. He is such a great example of taking what comes and learning to live the best with it. Very inspirational story. Definitely one to read to the kids.

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Jun 14, 2014 Joi rated it it was amazing

Shelves: ya-to-be-read

My eyes have no more water left. I was crying from the first page to the end. Some were happy tears, and some were sad tears. I loved this book.

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Aug 02, 2014 Olivermagnus rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2017, contemporary, ya

Ten year old August Pullman was born with a severe facial deformity that gives him a strange and almost horrifying appearance. Auggie knows when people see him on the street they point and stare and start to talk about him. Surrounded by a strong and loving family he grows up to be an intelligent and likable young boy. Having been home schooled for years, Auggie's parent think it's time for him to attend school and although he's frightened, says he will at least try it. It is no surprise that Au ...more

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Aug 12, 2013 Karen rated it really liked it

Shelves: j-ya

This book was highly recommended to me by the eleven year old across the street whose teacher had read it aloud to his class. I can see why it would appeal to kids in his age group. It is a story told from many (young) points of view that manages to teach a number of moral lessons without preaching. As an adult I found it to be a bit candy-coated - I only wish it could have gone as well for Auggie - but that small complaint would not stop me from recommending this book to anyone of any age. If i ...more

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Nov 29, 2014 Jody rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: on-my-shelf, time-top-100-ya

Eh.

I really, really thought I'd love this book. I'd seen it many times in the bookstore before finally buying it. I'd held off reading it because I was so sure it was going to be amazing.

Eh. Not so much. Way too Hollywood happy ending. The Justin chapters were insanely irritating - it was kind of like the author couldn't find Justin's own unique 'voice' so just took away his capitals.

Just disappointing, and I really don't understand why this has so many rave reviews. ...more

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Oct 25, 2015 Charlene rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: ya

This was an okay book, it had some good lessons for tweens and teens. I read it with my 12 year old son for school. I would recommend it to kids as it has some valuable lessons about bullying and being true to yourself, no matter who that might be.

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