Book Review

Wonder-ful Book Review

Written By: Vishakh Pillai, Meer Mehdi, Tianah Lowery

We’ve all read at least ONE book during quarantine. With it still going on, would it hurt to read another? Wonder by R.J Palacio, tells the incredibly inspiring and heartwarming story of August (Auggie) Pullman. Auggie was born with facial features unlike others, that have prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Auggie eventually becomes emotionally and mentally stronger, and also becomes the most unexpected hero when he enters fifth grade at Beecher Prep. 

August Pullman entered fifth grade just like every other kid. The only thing is, he was born with a facial deformity. Everyone stared at him when he walked by...but he was used to it. He stood out more in school...in a bad way. To prevent bullying, his parents have been protecting him by homeschooling him, but that changes when his mother decides it's time for him to start attending a regular school. August's parents enroll him in Beecher Prep, a private school. During the tour of the building, August meets future classmates Jack Will, Julian, and Charlotte, his guides, they were all nice to him other than Julian. 

Over the next couple of months Auggie gains confidence and friends but the bullying continues. He gets overwhelmed with the hate, that he tells his sister and mom he doesn't want to go back to school. However, he managed to go back to school with the support of his family and real friends. Throughout the book, perspectives change between characters. It starts off with Auggie, then Via, then Jack, etc. This gives the reader a good sense about how everyone feels of the current situation; as the perspectives are first person point of view. 

The reason we recommend Wonder to you is just because of its overall wholesomeness. The book involves all sorts of emotions and really gets the reader in depth with the book. Auggie, being the main character truly becomes the star. Another reason we recommend this book is that we are able to hear different peoples perspectives, not just the protagonists. When it is either in Auggie’s perspective, Jack’s perspective, or anyone’s perspectives, it is always in first person. Most of the book is in first person and this book is based on a true story; meaning that this book is a biography. With this, we get to see why the characters act as they do, and what they feel. If you are ever in need of a book to read or something, give Wonder a shot.

                                                 The book Wonder, was inspired by this teenager