Wonder reviewed by Danya-Young Adult

Blog 2: Young Adult

Wonder

RJ Palacio
Reviewed by Danya

This book was recommended to me as a “must read” for people of all ages and it certainly did not disappoint. Though this book is a young-adult text, I found myself reading it at every possible opportunity until I finished the text. The story follows Auggie, a fifth grade student, who was born with severe facial deformities. He has undergone numerous surgeries since his birth. As he enters the fifth grade at a new school, the reader is taken along on his heartbreaking and heartwarming journey through the social challenges of being not only a new student, but being a new student that looks far different than everyone else.

The story is organized in 8 parts, narrated by Auggie, as well as several other main characters (his sister, sister’s boyfriend, his friends, etc). This is especially interesting for the reader because the author allows the reader to understand certain events in the plot from several perspectives. Within each “part” are several different vignettes ranging from 1 page to 3 pages in length.  The book begins with Auggie’s perspective and ends with Auggie’s perspective.

I would highly recommend this book as a read aloud for secondary (4^th, 5^th, 6^th) to ensure as many students have the opportunity to know this story, and most definitely as an independent read for middle school students.

“…always try to be kinder than is necessary.” (299)