Overview
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * Millions of people have fallen in love with Auggie Pullman, an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face -- who shows us that kindness brings us together no matter how far apart we are. Read the book that inspired the Choose Kind movement, a major motion picture, and the critically acclaimed graphic novel White Bird. And don't miss R.J. Palacio's highly anticipated new novel, Pony, available now! I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse. August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid--but his new classmates can't get past Auggie's extraordinary face. Beginning from Auggie's point of view and expanding to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others, the perspectives converge to form a portrait of one community's struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance. In a world where bullying among young people is an epidemic, this is a refreshing new narrative full of heart and hope. R.J. Palacio has called her debut novel "a meditation on kindness" --indeed, every reader will come away with a greater appreciation for the simple courage of friendship. Auggie is a hero to root for, a diamond in the rough who proves that you can't blend in when you were born to stand out.
Professional Reviews
" Wonder is essentially ... a wonder. It''s well-written, engaging, and so much fun to read that the pages almost turn themselves. More than that, Wonder touches the heart in the most life-affirming, unexpected ways, delivering in August Pullman a character whom readers will remember forever. Do yourself a favor and read this book your life will be better for it.
" - Nicholas Sparks , #1 New York Times bestselling author Entertainment Weekly, February 17, 2012, The Top 10 Things We Love This Week:
"In a wonder of a debut, Palacio has written a crackling page-turner filled with characters you can''t help but root for." The New York Times , April 8, 2012:
"Rich and memorable...It''s Auggie and the rest of the children who are the real heart of ''Wonder,'' and Palacio captures the voices of girls and boys, fifth graders and teenagers, with equal skill." The Huffington Post , March 1, 2012:
"WONDER''s story is engaging - you''ll find yourself rooting for August as he stumbles through a world that, by fifth grade, most kids find commonplace. He''s plucky and funny and vulnerable and charming, so he''s hard not to like. But it''s in the bigger themes that Palacio''s writing shines. This book is a glorious exploration of the nature of friendship, tenacity, fear, and most importantly, kindness." The London Times , The Top 100 People to Watch in 2012:
"The breakout publishing sensation of 2012 will come courtesy of Palacio [and] is destined to go the way of Mark Haddon''s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and then some."
"Full of heart, full of truth, Wonder is a book about seeing the beauty that''s all around us. I dare you not to fall in love with Auggie Pullman.
" - Rebecca Stead , Newbery award-winning author of When You Reach Me
"It is the deceptive simplicity and honesty of the work that make Wonder so memorable. Every single character seems real and well drawn and oh-so human ...This book is beautiful." - Christopher Paul Curtis , Newbery award-winning author of Bud, Not Buddy
" Wonder is a beautifully told story about heartache, love, and the value of human life . One comes away from it wanting to be a better person." - Patricia Reilly Giff , two-time Newbery honor-winning author of Lily''s Crossing and Pictures of Hollis Woods
"Wonder is a shining jewel of a story that cannot help but encourage readers of all ages to do better, to be better, in how they treat others in life. I''m totally in love with this novel." - Trudy Ludwig , anti-bullying advocate and author of My Secret Bully , Confessions of a Former Bully , Better Than You , and Just Kidding Starred Review,Publishers Weekly, February 20, 2012:
"Few first novels pack more of a punch: it''s a rare story with the power to open eyes--and hearts--to what it''s like to be singled out for a difference you can''t control, when all you want is to be just another face in the crowd." Starred Review,Booklist, February 1, 2012:
"Palacio makes it feel not only effortless but downright graceful, and by the stand-up-and-cheer conclusion, readers will be doing just that, and feeling as if they are part of this troubled but ultimately warm-hearted community." Starred Review,School Library Journal, February 1, 2012:
"Palacio has an exceptional knack for writing realistic conversation and describing the thoughts and emotions of the characters. Everyone grows and develops as the story progresses, especially the middle school students. This is a fast read and would be a great discussion starter about love, support, and judging people on their appearance. A well-written, thought-provoking book.
" Starred Review,Kirkus Reviews, December 15, 2011:
"A memorable story of kindness, courage and wonder."
