Wonder Book Review - Divyalakshmi 12A

WONDER By R.J.Palacio BOOK REVIEW BY- Divyalakshmi Grade 12 A

DISCLAIMER We live in a cruel judgmental world where all eyes seem to be scrutinizing our every move, every word, every step. A perfect cloned society with clones alike: that’s what they want! But why blend in when you were born to stand out? Although this is a book review, for the next 20 minutes of your reading pleasure, I request you to be a blank canvas. Don’t let my views sway your opinions of this WONDER-ful masterpiece that is meant to stand out vividly in your memory as “an unforgettable and refreshing read”. And that’s what the experience is about. If you choose to not adhere to the aforementioned, then I’m sorry but this isn’t this book for you. Don’t be a Julian; be an Auggie! Alright, let’s begin this WONDER-ful journey of self-discovery.

CHARACTER FILE

CHARACTER FILE

CHARACTER FILE

CHARACTER FILE

CHARACTER FILE

CHARACTER FILE

CHARACTER FILE

SETTING Main Setting - The setting of the novel “Wonder” is North River Heights, in Manhattan, New York. The overall setting (time, place, characters persona) of the novel is modern. Sub Settings: 1) Beecher Prep. It is the school Auggie, Jack Will, Julian Albans – among others- go to. 2) Pullmans’ Manhattan townhouse. BEECHER PREP PULLMANS’ TOWNHOUSE

PLOT SUMMARY The book begins with the words: \"You could say I'm just like any normal kid. I have a family, I have a computer, I have an Xbox\". August \"Auggie\" Pullman then talks about his family, and then it skips to: \"My name is August. I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse\". Auggie Pullman is a home-schooled fifth grader living in North River Heights in Upper Manhattan with his parents. He has a medical condition, often equated with Treacher Collins syndrome, which has left his face disfigured. Due to his condition, August has been home-schooled by his mother; however, wanting him to experience a larger world, his parents enrol him into Beecher Prep, a private school, for the start of fifth grade. Auggie has a sister, Olivia \"Via\" Pullman, who is older than he is and often puts her brother's needs before her own. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, Auggie wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid— but his new classmates can’t get past his extraordinary face. Before his first day of school, Auggie's mother takes Auggie to the school to meet the principal, Mr. Tushman, who also invites three other students — Jack Will, Charlotte, and Julian — to take him around, and help him start getting the feeling of what it's like to be with other people. Auggie is immediately bullied by Julian, who acts \"like an angel\" in front of teachers. Jack and Charlotte instantly start defending him, but Auggie still doesn't feel comfortable around Julian. On his first day of school, Auggie tries not to draw attention to himself. His efforts are in vain, and Julian and his friends immediately start bullying him about his appearance. August's hopes for the school year are later raised slightly when he forms friendships with classmates Jack and Summer, both of whom defend him from Julian's taunts.

PLOT SUMMARY As the school year progresses, the bullying Auggie faces becomes more serious and extends to Jack as well. Julian manipulates several friends into turning against August and Jack. In addition, Julian's mother voices her concerns over Auggie attending the school, citing that his appearance may be too much of a burden for the other students to handle. The rest of the book involves betrayals, reconciliations, family love and support, and self- acceptance. Towards the end of the novel, with summer vacation approaching, Auggie is relieved to hear that Julian will not be returning to Beecher Prep. At graduation, August is awarded the 'Henry Ward Beecher Medal' for being 'notable or exemplary in certain areas throughout the school year'. Extremely proud of her son, August's mother comments that he is a 'wonder'.

THE MOST WONDER-ful PART OF WONDER… The most WONDER-ful part of the novel that really resonated with me in terms of the writing style chosen by the author was that Wonder begins from Auggie's point of view, but soon switches to include the perspectives of his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These voices converge to portray a community as it struggles with differences, and challenges readers, both young and old, to wonder about the true nature of empathy, compassion, acceptance, friendship, and—ultimately— kindness. Auggie is a hero for the ages, one who proves that you can’t blend in when you were born to stand out.

WONDER-ous THEMES EXPLORED BY WONDER 1) Kindness features prominently in this novel, as many of Auggie's struggles in life are linked to the unkind responses of others. 2) Tolerance of Differences - Middle school is often a cutthroat place, and kids who are different in any clear way will stand out from the crowd and face bullying as a result of their differences. Auggie's differences are evident the minute he steps foot in school; however, the other kids must try to get used to the way he looks and accept him for who he is. The more the other kids spend time around Auggie, the more they realize that his outward appearance does not make him any different from them on the inside. Auggie's presence at Beecher Prep helps everyone in the school become more tolerant and more accepting. 3) Family - Auggie's family is crucial to his growth and maturity over the course of the novel. The other Pullmans are a constant source of support, encouragement, and love, no matter how rough it gets of Auggie as he tries to fit in beyond his family unit. 4) Courage - Auggie shows great courage in surmounting all of the obstacles that he faces in his life. He pushes on despite the kids who mock him, torment him, and bully him, revealing true strength of character. It takes a tough person to be as courageous as Auggie is, and while it seems unfair for a child so young to have to face so many challenges, his bravery in the face of all of it sets an example for readers both old and young.

WONDER-ful TAKEAWAYS FROM WONDER – THE WONDER WALL

If you’ve made it this far with me, then congratulations! WONDER is definitely a WONDER you must try. I would whole-heartedly recommend this masterpiece to everyone - children and adults. This is a book that changed my perspective of life and I hope it will give you a positive outlook too. The emotional and touching, yet relatable story, beautifully crafted personas of the characters, and, of course, with the unusual twists make WONDER a fantastic read! RATING- I would give this book a rating of 5/5

WONDER By R.J.Palacio BOOK REVIEW BY- Divyalakshmi Grade 12 A