Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Wonder follows August Pullman, a boy with a facial deformity, as he navigates the challenges of starting school for the first time. Set in Beecher Prep, the story explores themes of kindness, acceptance, and friendship through the perspectives of August, his sister Via, and their classmates. R.J. Palacio's novel emphasizes the importance of empathy and the impact of bullying, making it a poignant read for middle school students and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of human relationships. This heartwarming tale encourages readers to choose kindness and celebrate differences.

Key Points

  • Follows August Pullman, a boy with a facial deformity, as he starts school.
  • Explores themes of kindness, acceptance, and friendship among classmates.
  • Includes multiple perspectives, including those of August's sister, Via.
  • Highlights the impact of bullying and the importance of empathy.
  • Encourages readers to choose kindness and celebrate differences.
  • newtopiccyclegrowin
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Wonder
R.J. Palacio
August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from
going to a mainstream school—until now. He's about to enter fifth grade at Beecher
Prep, and if you've ever been the new kid, them you know how hard that can be. The
thing is Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince
his new classmates that he's just like them, despite appearances?
Part One
August
Fate smiled and destiny
laughed as she came to my cradle . . .
—Natalie Merchant, "Wonder"
Ordinary
I know I'm not an ordinary ten-year-old kid. I mean, sure, I do ordinary things. I eat ice
cream. I ride my bike. I play ball. I have an XBox. Stuff like that makes me ordinary. I
guess. And I feel ordinary. Inside. But I know ordinary kids don't make other ordinary
kids run away screaming in playgrounds. I know ordinary kids don't get stared at
wherever they go.
If I found a magic lamp and I could have one wish, I would wish that I had a normal
face that no one ever noticed at all. I would wish that I could walk down the street
without people seeing me and then doing that look-away thing. Here's what I think: the
only reason I'm not ordinary is that no one else sees me that way.
But I'm kind of used to how I look by now. I know how to pretend I don't see the faces
people make. We've all gotten pretty good at that sort of thing: me, Mom and Dad, Via.
Actually, I take that back: Via's not so good at it. She can get really annoyed when
people do something rude. Like, for instance, one time in the playground some older
kids made some noises. I don't even know what the noises were exactly because I
didn't hear them myself, but Via heard and she just started yelling at the kids. That's the
way she is. I'm not that way.
Via doesn't see me as ordinary. She says she does, but if I were ordinary, she wouldn't
feel like she needs to protect me as much. And Mom and Dad don't see me as
ordinary, either. They see me as extraordinary. I think the only person in the world who
realizes how ordinary I am is me.
My name is August, by the way. I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're
thinking, it's probably worse.
Why I Didn't Go to School
Next week I start fifth grade. Since I've never been to a real school before, I am pretty
much totally and completely petrified. People think I haven't gone to school because of
the way I look, but it's not that. It's because of all the surgeries I've had. Twenty-seven
since I was born. The bigger ones happened before I was even four years old, so I
don't remember those. But I've had two or three surgeries every year since then (some
big, some small), and because I'm little for my age, and I have some other medical
mysteries that doctors never really figured out, I used to get sick a lot. That's why my
parents decided it was better if I didn't go to school. I'm much stronger now, though.
The last surgery I had was eight months ago, and I probably won't have to have any
more for another couple of years.
Mom homeschools me. She used to be a children's-book illustrator. She draws really
great fairies and mermaids. Her boy stuff isn't so hot, though. She once tried to draw
me a Darth Vader, but it ended up looking like some weird mushroom-shaped robot. I
haven't seen her draw anything in a long time. I think she's too busy taking care of me
and Via.
I can't say I always wanted to go to school because that wouldn't be exactly true. What
I wanted was to go to school, but only if I could be like every other kid going to school.
Have lots of friends and hang out after school and stuff like that.
I have a few really good friends now. Christopher is my best friend, followed by Zachary
and Alex. We've known each other since we were babies. And since they've always
known me the way I am, they're used to me. When we were little, we used to have
playdates all the time, but then Christopher moved to Bridgeport in Connecticut. That's
more than an hour away from where I live in North River Heights, which is at the top tip
of Manhattan. And Zachary and Alex started going to school. It's funny: even though
Christopher's the one who moved far away, I still see him more than I see Zachary and
Alex. They have all these new friends now. If we bump into each other on the street,
they're still nice to me, though. They always say hello.
I have other friends, too, but not as good as Christopher and Zack and Alex were. For
instance, Zack and Alex always invited me to their birthday parties when we were little,
but Joel and Eamonn and Gabe never did. Emma invited me once, but I haven't seen
her in a long time. And, of course, I always go to Christopher's birthday. Maybe I'm
making too big a deal about birthday parties.
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FAQs of Wonder by R.J. Palacio

What challenges does August face at school?
August Pullman faces numerous challenges when he starts attending Beecher Prep, primarily due to his facial deformity. He experiences bullying and stares from classmates, which makes him feel isolated and different. Despite these difficulties, August's journey highlights his resilience and the support he receives from friends like Jack and Summer, who help him navigate the social dynamics of school. His experiences reflect the broader themes of acceptance and the importance of kindness in overcoming adversity.
How does the story portray the theme of friendship?
Friendship is a central theme in Wonder, particularly through the relationships August forms with his classmates. Initially, many students are hesitant to befriend him due to his appearance, but characters like Jack Will and Summer Dawson show that true friendship transcends superficial differences. The novel illustrates how these friendships evolve, demonstrating the power of loyalty and support in facing challenges. As August's friends stand up for him against bullies, the story emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in building meaningful connections.
What lessons does August learn throughout the novel?
Throughout Wonder, August learns valuable lessons about acceptance, resilience, and the importance of being true to oneself. He discovers that while not everyone will accept him, there are those who will embrace him for who he is. The support from his family and friends teaches him that kindness can come from unexpected places, and that standing up for oneself is crucial. Ultimately, August's journey is about finding his place in the world and understanding that everyone has their own struggles, making it essential to choose kindness.
How does R.J. Palacio use multiple perspectives in the story?
R.J. Palacio employs multiple perspectives in Wonder to provide a well-rounded view of August's experiences and the impact of his condition on those around him. Each chapter is narrated by different characters, including August, his sister Via, and his classmates. This narrative technique allows readers to see how August's presence affects others, revealing their thoughts and feelings about friendship, acceptance, and bullying. By showcasing various viewpoints, Palacio deepens the reader's understanding of the complexities of human relationships.
What is the significance of the title 'Wonder'?
The title 'Wonder' holds significant meaning in the context of the novel, reflecting both August's unique qualities and the broader themes of the story. It emphasizes the wonder of individuality and the beauty of differences, encouraging readers to appreciate what makes each person special. Additionally, the title suggests a sense of curiosity and exploration, inviting readers to look beyond appearances and understand the deeper aspects of character and humanity. Ultimately, 'Wonder' serves as a reminder of the power of kindness and empathy.
What role does bullying play in the story?
Bullying plays a critical role in Wonder, serving as a catalyst for August's experiences at school. Initially, August faces ridicule and exclusion from his peers, which highlights the harsh realities of being different. However, the novel also illustrates the consequences of bullying, as it affects not only the victim but also the bystanders and perpetrators. Through the characters' responses to bullying, R.J. Palacio emphasizes the importance of standing up against cruelty and choosing kindness, ultimately fostering a message of hope and resilience.
How does the story conclude for August and his friends?
The story concludes on a hopeful note for August and his friends, showcasing their growth and the strength of their bonds. By the end of the novel, August has gained acceptance from his peers, culminating in a standing ovation at the graduation ceremony. His friendships with Jack and Summer deepen, illustrating the transformative power of kindness and empathy. The conclusion reinforces the idea that while challenges may persist, love and friendship can triumph, leaving readers with a sense of optimism and inspiration.

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