It is bad enough that August Pullman is born with a disfiguring disease that deforms his face, makes hearing difficult, and has him needing twenty-seven surgeries before the age of ten to give him a chance at life. It is undoubtedly worse to have him begin school and face discrimination at the hands of his classmates, Julian in particular. Thankfully, he has his family and a couple of friends like Summer and Jack Will, who care for and support him.
R. J. Palacio, the author of ‘Wonder,’ was inspired to write this novel from experience in her life. She stopped at an ice cream stand on a trip to see an out-of-town friend with her two sons. Sitting with her mother, there was a girl with a facial deformity. Her younger son began to cry. Palacio hurried her children away. Reflecting on the incident, she believed she could have handled it better. It also made her wonder what sort of life the little girl faced if this reaction was typical.
In “Wonder“, August Pullman has Treacher-Collins Syndrome, a congenital craniofacial disease that leaves him deformed, and frequent hospitalization keeps him out of school. But he is finally ready to begin school in the fifth grade. He has received shocked stares and discrimination based on his looks, but this happens differently in school. However, he makes a few friends, like Summer Dawson and Jack Wills, and he has the understanding, empathy, and support of family and perseveres. School bully Julian Albans is particularly malicious, calling him names and instigating classmates to avoid him and treat him as a pariah. Soon enough, however, more of his classmates recognized him for the bright, funny, and brave boy he was.
The central premise of “Wonder” is emotionally charged and unique. The story follows August Pullman, a young boy with facial deformities, as he navigates the challenges of attending public school for the first time. This premise immediately captures readers’ attention and sets the stage for a narrative exploring themes of acceptance and empathy.
The plot is emotionally engaging and uniquely portrays individuals’ difficulties with visible differences. For example, when August first arrives at school, he encounters a range of reactions from his classmates, from curiosity and fear to outright bullying, particularly by Julian, who leads a campaign to ostracize him. The novel’s trajectory is somewhat predictable, as readers anticipate that his peers will eventually accept August. This predictability is exemplified in the novel’s climax when August wins the Henry Ward Beecher medal, a symbolic moment that marks his acceptance and recognition by his school community.
While the plot is heart-warming, it can also feel idealized. Conflicts are often resolved in a manner that might not reflect the complexities of real life. For instance, the reconciliation between August’s sister, Via, and her friend, Miranda, is handled quickly, with little exploration of the underlying issues that caused their estrangement. Similarly, August’s transformation from an outcast to a beloved figure at school happens rapidly, which might strike some readers as overly optimistic.
Wonder explores several significant themes, including kindness, acceptance, bullying, and the challenges of living with a disability. The novel strongly emphasizes the power of kindness, as seen in the way characters like Summer Dawson and Jack Will choose to befriend August despite the social risks involved. Summer’s decision to sit with August at lunch on his first day is a pivotal moment that sets the tone for the novel’s message about the importance of empathy.
The theme of acceptance is central to the novel, as August struggles with his desire to be seen as “ordinary” despite his extraordinary appearance. This theme is reflected in August’s words when he says, “I know I’m not an ordinary ten-year-old kid… I do ordinary things. I feel ordinary inside. But I know ordinary kids don’t make other ordinary kids run away screaming in playgrounds.”
Palacio’s treatment of themes like kindness, social acceptance of those living with disabilities, and bullying in schools in “Wonder” shows a keen feeling for contemporary social issues. Interestingly, she handles the issues with faith in our humanity as the best address for them, rather than advocating for policy intervention by the government or school disciplinary bodies. Being kind is Palacio’s simple solution; she trusts it will make a significant impact.
However, the treatment of the themes of “Wonder” can be a bit on the nose and lack subtlety. For example, the precepts introduced by Mr. Browne, such as “When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind,” are moralizing. The message is driven with the force of a crusader, and the characters are only vehicles for delivering a piece of moral instruction. The book can also be criticized for romanticizing the fact of living with disabilities to tell an inspirational tale.
“Wonder” excels in presenting characters from diverse backgrounds. The range of characters, each with their personalities and perspectives, enriches the storytelling and allows readers to gain insights into different lives and experiences.
August is a compelling protagonist whose internal struggles and outward challenges make him relatable to readers of all ages. His growth from a shy, insecure boy to a more confident individual is one of the novel’s most rewarding aspects. This transformation is highlighted in moments such as when August bravely decides to attend the school’s nature retreat, despite his fears of being ostracized.
Supporting characters like Via, Summer, Jack, and Julian add depth to the story. Via’s perspective provides insight into the challenges of siblings of children with disabilities. Her internal conflict is poignantly expressed when she reflects on the need to step out of August’s shadow and be seen as more than “the sister of the boy with the deformed face.”
Jack Will’s character undergoes significant development as well. Initially, he befriends August out of a sense of duty. Still, he eventually comes to genuinely care for him, as seen in his defense of August during the altercation with older students at the retreat. Jack’s journey from being influenced by peer pressure to standing up for what is right adds another layer of complexity to the novel.
Julian, the primary antagonist, is somewhat less developed. Although his role as the school bully is essential to the plot, his motivations are not explored in depth, making him appear more as a symbol of cruelty than a fully realized character. His actions, such as starting the “Plague” game to avoid touching August, are extreme, but his character lacks the nuance to explain why he behaves this way.
Palacio’s writing style in “Wonder” is accessible and engaging, making it an enjoyable read for a wide audience. The use of multiple narrators, including August, Via, Summer, Jack, and Miranda, provides a well-rounded perspective on the novel’s events. This multi-narrative structure allows readers to understand the impact of August’s presence on those around him, and it adds depth to the story by offering insights into each character’s inner world.
The first-person narrative is conversational, which creates a sense of intimacy between the characters and the reader. August’s voice, in particular, is authentic and relatable, filled with humor and resilience despite his hardships. For example, his self-deprecating humor is evident when he quips, “I’m used to not fitting in. The way I see it, I’m not ordinary and neither are you.”
However, the dialogue can sometimes become overly didactic, especially in scenes where characters deliver moral lessons. Mr. Tushman’s speech at the end of the novel, for instance, while uplifting, reads more like a sermon than a natural conversation. This can detract from the realism of the interactions.
The novel’s structure, divided into sections narrated by different characters, effectively maintains the reader’s interest and provides a comprehensive view of the story. The pacing is generally well-balanced, with moments of tension, such as August’s first day at school or the confrontation at the nature retreat, interspersed with quieter, more introspective scenes.
However, the narrative occasionally slows down, particularly during lengthy dialogues or when certain moral themes are reiterated. For instance, while meaningful, the scenes involving Mr. Browne’s precepts can feel repetitive, slowing the story’s momentum.
The setting of “Wonder” primarily focuses on Beecher Prep, a typical middle school that serves as the backdrop for August’s challenges and triumphs. The school environment is portrayed with authenticity, capturing the dynamics of preteen social interactions, cliques, and the struggles of fitting in. This setting is relatable for the novel’s target audience and evokes memories of school life for older readers.
Palacio’s attention to detail in depicting the school’s atmosphere, from the cafeteria to the hallways, adds to the novel’s realism. The nature retreat setting also provides a significant turning point in the story, where August’s classmates begin to see him in a new light, further solidifying the novel’s themes of acceptance and friendship.
One of the strengths of “Wonder” is its character development, particularly with August, whose growth from insecurity to self-acceptance is compelling. Also, the multi-narrative structure enriches the story by providing diverse perspectives, deepening the reader’s connection with the characters. The novel’s themes of kindness, acceptance, and empathy are positive and powerful, offering hope and guidance to kids.
On the minus side, the plot can be predictable, following a familiar arc of an ugly duckling turning into a beautiful goose, and it is very formulaic. While impactful, Palacio’s treatment of themes can be overly didactic, with moral lessons presented in a way that leaves little room for interpretation. Finally, some characters, especially the antagonist Julian, feel underdeveloped, serving more as symbols than fully realized individuals with believable motives.
“Wonder” profoundly impacts its readers by highlighting the importance of kindness, acceptance, and empathy in the face of adversity. The novel encourages readers to look beyond outward appearances and embrace the humanity in everyone, making it a poignant and relevant read for all ages. Its success in fostering discussions about inclusivity and kindness, particularly through the Choose Kind movement, underscores its significant cultural and social impact. Despite its predictability and didactic approach, “Wonder” is a memorable and powerful novel that resonates with worldwide readers.
Wonder: A Message to Choose Kindness
Book Title: Wonder
Book Description: 'Wonder' by R. J. Palacio follows the story of August Pullman, a ten-year-old boy with facial disfigurement, as he faces the challenges of attending a regular school for the first time. Through August's and other characters' experiences, the novel explores themes of empathy, acceptance, and how kindness has the power to transform people and society, and leaves readers with the profound message of the importance of seeing people beyond their pyhysical appearances.
Book Author: R. J. Palacio
Book Edition: First Export Edition
Book Format: Paperback
Publisher - Organization: Alfred A Knopf
Date published: July 1, 2014
Illustrator: Tad Carpenter
ISBN: 9780553509977
Number Of Pages: 315
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Wonder Review
‘Wonder‘ by R. J. Palacio is didactic but relatable, and tells about disability in a warm and inviting tone, easy prose and with personable characters. This makes for a very pleasant read for children.
Pros
- Light and easy read
- Emotionally stimulating
- Multi-perspective storytelling
Cons
- Preachy
- Romanticizes disability
- Too neatly resolved conflicts
