Wonder

Wonder is a middle-grade novel written by R.J. Palacio and published in 2012 by Alfred A. Knopf. The novel is a #1 New York Times Bestseller and also a major motion picture. Though multiple narrators tell the tale, the plot centers around August “Auggie” Pullman, a 10-year-old kid who has a genetic condition called mandibulofacial dysostosis that has left his face misshapen. People stare and judge him by his looks, but Auggie tries not to let it bother him. He feels like a normal kid on the inside and wishes others would get to know him for who he is. Auggie’s life of relative isolation is upended when he transitions from homeschooling to attending Beecher Prep Middle School. He faces bullying and discrimination, because of his appearance, as well as the routine trials of growing up.

At the beginning of the story, Auggie believes he’s just like any other kid, though he acknowledges that other kids don’t cause people to run away screaming. He’s only 10 years old when the narrative begins, and Auggie has already undergone 27 surgeries to try to correct various issues related to his genetic condition. While Auggie claims he’s used to people staring at him wherever he goes , his sister, Olivia “Via” Pullman is not; she gets visibly upset. Auggie’s fortitude to face public opinion is put to the test when he learns that he has been accepted to Beecher Prep—and that his parents expect him to attend.

Though Auggie initially feels like his parents have betrayed him, he agrees to go to school. The challenge this decision presents is significant. The other students jeer and stare at Auggie. Even some teachers reveal shock upon seeing him. Auggie takes it all in stride because he’s used to it. He makes a new friend, Jack Will; he and Jack Will sit next to each other in practically every class, providing some relief from his status as an outcast. Auggie also befriends Summer Dawson, a kind girl who sits with him at lunch when no one else will. Summer and Auggie connect over their shared sense of playfulness and wonder; unlike many of their peers, the two still play games and want to dress up for Halloween. Though Auggie has made friends, he also makes a powerful enemy in Julian. And, as the school year progresses, Julian not only bullies Auggie relentlessly but also creates an environment where others can act unkindly to Auggie.

On Halloween—Auggie’s favorite holiday because no one judges him for what he looks like—he overhears Jack Will badmouthing him to Julian while he is disguised in a costume. Auggie’s fragile world comes tumbling down with this betrayal, and he stops going to school. Eventually, Via convinces him not to let the bullies win. Auggie returns to school and later learns that Jack Will stood up for him against Julian by punching Julian in the face. Auggie and Jack Will eventually make up. Julian turns the entire class against Jack Will for this offense, but Summer, Auggie, and Jack Will grow closer as friends. Eventually, other students grow tired of Julian’s bullying. When the class goes on a spring retreat and a group of older kids assault Auggie, he finds that he has more friends than he realizes. People stand up for him and protect him, and soon the entire school is on Auggie’s side. Afterwards, Julian loses his support network when everyone chooses to be kind to Auggie.

Auggie receives an award during graduation for exhibiting quiet strength and inspiring kindness throughout the schoolyear. Now, everyone knows him for who he is as a person and not for what he looks like. His mother explains that there will always be bad people in life but that the good people outweigh the bad. Auggie’s schoolyear is a testament to this. At the end of the narrative, Auggie’s mom thanks him for being such “a wonder” to everyone in his life.