Published: February 14, 2012 by Knopf Books for Young Readers
Length: 320 pages
Source: bought (at Target)
“I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably
worse.
August Pullman was born with a facial deformity 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.
WONDER, now a #1 New York Times bestseller and included on the
Texas Bluebonnet Award master list, begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon
switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These
perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy,
compassion, and acceptance. “
Wonder is about a 5th grader named August (Auggie) who was born with a facial deformity. The majority of the book is told from his point of view, and we see how he overcomes the struggle that he faces in school. It’s really hard to not cry while reading this book. It is very moving, relatable, and realistic. We not only get to see the situation from his perspective, but we also see it from Auggie’s sister (Via), Auggie’s friends, and Via’s bestfriend and boyfriend. Once you start reading this book, it’ll be hard to put down.
It is Auggie’s first time going into school. At first he was positive that he didn’t want to go, but he eventually agrees with his parents that he’ll try it. Hands down to this boy. He’s so tough no matter what his classmates tell him. Almost the whole 5th grade was bullying Auggie, and it just brought tears in my eyes. I know how it feels to be bullied, but by your entire class? Seriously? I just wanted to smack all these kids. Oh, and there’s this parent that wanted to kick Auggie out of the school because she thinks that Auggie’s the problem and not the other children. UGH! I just wanted to push that parent off a cliff. What’s worse is that she has a big role in the school (I forgot what position). But really?! I don’t even know how she became a parent. She’s too immature to be one. I just wanted to tell that mom to GROW. THE. HELL. UP. You’re supposed to set a good example for your child. Go run a lap!
Besides being bullied, Auggie always get stared at. What made me tear up is when he asks his mom if “is it always going to be like this?” Ugh. It’s just so sad how people treat him! He also wonders (see what I did there ;P the title *cough cough*) if he’s always going to be known as “the freak” or other nicknames that has something to do with his appearance. What I loved about it is even though Auggie has every reason to break down, he doesn’t. He didn’t drop out of school because he was picked on EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. He didn’t fought back or tried to get “equal” with the people teasing him. I love how he had changed so much since the beginning of the book.
Even though it’s a middle grade book, I think Wonder is a book for everyone. Parents are involved, teachers, students, even dogs! Don’t think it’s all about bullies though. This review is brief. There’s seriously A LOT going on in this book. I only talked about Auggie’s p.o.v. in this review. His sister’s point of view is really interesting. Sometimes she wishes that she wasn’t known as ”the girl who has a deformed brother.”
I learned SO MUCH from Wonder. All of the characters taught me a lesson. While I was reading it, it made me think of the situation that we are in now. Why can’t people accept others? Why do others feed on other people’s misery just to gain happiness? There’s friendship, bullies, jealousy, and family. What I got out from this book is “don’t let your fears choose your destiny.” It’s so inspirational and I definitely recommend it to everyone.