Wonder

Article written by Ebuka Igbokwe

Bachelor's degree from Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

‘Wonder’ is a 2012 coming-of-age book written by R. J. Palacio. The novel follows August ‘Auggie’ Pullman, a ten-year-old boy with a facial deformity that challenges his social life and relationships when he begins school. The author handles the themes of friendship, kindness, social acceptance, and isolation deftly and sympathetically. It is a successful book that has received favorable reviews, sold millions of copies, spawned sequels and offshoots, and has been adapted into a movie.

Key Facts

• Title: Wonder
• Published: 2012
• Literary Period: Contemporary
• Genre: Young Adult Fiction
• Point of View: Multiple characters, First person
• Setting: Manhattan, New York, United States
• Climax: Auggie receives a recognition award in school

R. J. Palacio and Wonder

The story of ‘Wonder’ was borne from an experience R. J. Palacio had with a deformed child at an ice cream shop when she was in the company of her sons on a trip. The reactions of her children and the child’s mother had Palacio wondering what sort of social life the child and her mother would have. From these ruminations, the inspiration for the novel came to R. J. Palacio.

R. J. Palacio was born in New York City to Columbian immigrant parents. She attended the High School of Arts and Design in Manhattan and Parsons School of Design before spending a year at the American University of Paris. She was an illustrator doing book cover designs before she published her first novel, ‘Wonder’ in 2012. She has since published other books, including ‘Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories’ and ‘365 Days of Wonder: Mr. Browne’s Book of Precepts’. She lives with her husband and two sons in North Carolina.

‘Wonder‘ is an inspiring novel that follows the life of August Pullman, a ten-year-old boy with a facial deformity, who navigates the challenges of attending school for the first time. The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, offering insights from August, his sister Via, and friends like Jack Will and Summer. The story beautifully explores themes of kindness, acceptance, and the resilience of the human spirit. The novel has captivated young readers with its powerful message that beauty goes beyond physical appearances, emphasizing the importance of empathy and the impact of small acts of kindness.

Books Related to Wonder

These are also books related to ‘Wonder’ written by the same author

• ‘Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories’ is a companion novel to ‘Wonder’. Published in 2014, this book offers readers an opportunity to delve deeper into the lives of some of the supporting characters from the original story, providing additional perspectives and insights.
• ‘365 Days of Wonder: Mr. Browne’s Book of Precepts’ is another companion book by R. J. Palacio, released in 2014. This book is inspired by the character Mr. Browne, Auggie’s English teacher in ‘Wonder’, who introduces his students to precepts—words to live by. This book presents readers with daily precepts to inspire and encourage positive thinking.
• ‘The Little Prince‘ by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is a timeless novella that weaves a whimsical and philosophical tale. The story follows a young prince who is lonely on his planet, where his only friend is a rose, and travels from his planet to Earth, meeting various unique characters and learning profound life lessons. The Little Prince explores themes of friendship, love, and the nature of human relationships through encounters with a fox, a rose, and other universe inhabitants. This beloved classic shares insights into life and invites readers to embrace the innocence and wonder of childhood while reflecting on the book’s profound truths.
• ‘Mockingbird‘ by Kathryn Erskine is an emotionally resonant novel about Caitlin, a young girl with Asperger’s syndrome. After the tragic loss of her brother, who helped her make sense of the world, Caitlin struggles to understand the complexities of emotions, empathy, and human relationships. The story unfolds as Caitlin embarks on a journey to understand “closure” and find the sense of closure that has eluded her. Guided by her counselor, Mrs. Brook, Caitlin learns about empathy, friendship, and the healing power of art. This novel is a heartfelt exploration of resilience, compassion, and the beauty that can emerge from the most unexpected places.

The Lasting Impact of Wonder