Wonder by RJ Palacio

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Coral Mor
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Re: Wonder by RJ Palacio

Post by Coral Mor »

Imagine being in a school, where people constantly stare at you. You get rumors spread on you and you always get laughed on the way you look. People even avoid touching you.

Growing up, Auggie is only influenced by his family and builds his identity ultimately on family opinions. Nonetheless, when Auggie begins going to a private school, he is introduced to societal influences. Auggie becomes a reject in this school and in order to fit in, he starts to become more influenced by the outside world and makes decisions he typically would not make if he were still homeschooled.

August Pullman is oblivious to how cruel bullying can be at a private school and because of his facial deformation, bullies have an instant target on him.

In conclusion, Auggie discovers his true self, and forms a strong identity with his internal forces being the most important in finding who he truly is. The author deliveres a powerful message about the importance of kindness, tolerance, and acceptance.
colorsparkle
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Post by colorsparkle »

I’ve read this a few times now, and it really means a lot to me. It puts a new lens on a character who just desires to be accepted in society, which gives the reader tools to interact with people like this in real life.
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camillegermo
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Post by camillegermo »

I read "Wonder" when I was in eighth grade and I absolutely loved it. I still have to read the spin-off books and watch the film, though.
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Erin Painter Baker
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Post by Erin Painter Baker »

When I was searching for books to read, I came across a great review of Wonder by R J Palacio from my friend Jana. Jana and I do not always share the same taste in books, but I trust her opinion enough that if she says everyone should read a book, I should probably read it. And when it comes to Wonder, I have to say, I agree with her.

Wonder is the story of August, and his first year in “regular” school, after being home schooled kindergarten through 4th grade. Oh, and Auggie, as he is known, happens to have a facial deformity. He is not disabled, physically or mentally, he just looks different than everyone else, but in a radical way.

The story is told from the point of view of multiple kids, and one chapter that includes emails between adults. It is first and foremost a story of friendship and of love. There was a part of the book where I was in tears (if you have read it, it is probably not hard to guess which section). And parts where I was almost cheering out loud. (Luckily, neither part happened on the bus, where I do a lot of my reading.)

This is just a good story about what makes people people, and how we should remember that what we think we see is not always what we are going to get.

So, follow Jana’s advice. Read this book. It is short (by adult standards), and will not take more than a couple of days. In fact, it is one of those books, that if you have the time, can just be a straight read through. I started it on the bus on Tuesday (after finishing Seveneves) and finished it at home on Wednesday evening.

But really, read Wonder. You will not be sorry.
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Lebron55
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Post by Lebron55 »

Wonder by RJ Palacio it’s just a wonderful book that I really liked.
The cover highlights the central theme of the book - the handling of the exception and the difference. The cover inspires interest and curiosity and invites the reader to overcome the initial reluctance to step into the shoes of the different and reshape the worldview about him. The author wanted the young readers to see the events through the hero's eyes to understand how people with physical defects experience reality.
The book has an unusual structure that matches its content. It is divided into eight very short sections written in a single first person. Three parts are narrated from the protagonist's point of view and the remaining five parts are narrated from the perspective of other related characters: Summer, Jack, Olivia, Justin and Miranda.
August, Summer and Jack attend fifth grade while Olivia, Justin and Miranda are ninth graders. Each part goes back slightly in time, blending in with the end of the previous part and moving on.
The different vantage points allow the reader to understand Oggy's difficulties and struggles to integrate into society and also identify with his friends' uncomplicated confrontation with the various
While evaluating their efforts to accept equality among equals.
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tjportugal
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Post by tjportugal »

I read this book a couple of years ago. I was one of those who watched the movie first and then read the book. Still, the movie (as usual) didn't reach the level of depth contained in the book. The movie keeps you focused on visual details that distract you from the contours of the message Palacio is trying to deliver.
To read or not to read? That's not even a question!
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Post by nanglada »

sasireader21 wrote: 06 Jun 2018, 15:43 Wonder was an amazing book about the difficulties of self-acceptance as well as of the lives that one human can change for the better. This book is told from multiple different perspectives, which is all in itself interesting to read, but it also gives the reader a peek into the minds of the characters surrounding the main character, Auggie. It is definitely a book to add to your reading list, no matter your age, due to the fact that it teaches both children and adults life lessons.
Indeed, Wonder is an amazing book that everybody should read, no matter their age. It is definitely not just a novel for middle school kids. It is fulll of light and insightful and so engaging.
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Ktoomey8
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Post by Ktoomey8 »

Adding this book to my Christmas list! As I was student teaching, I heard it in one of my classes. Such a great book. :)
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Menace3
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Post by Menace3 »

The book is really amazing
I mean,how many times do we get to see kids so courageous
Kudos to the writer
Really inspiring
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Post by Vannaskivt »

I use this book in a graduate course I teach for child life specialists. Students love the book and it really contributes to their future professional empathy. I actually was a little disappointed when the movie came out because I thought it might deter students from reading the book, but, so far so good!
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EmmaMay
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Post by EmmaMay »

I loved Wonder too. It was actually my 12-year-old sister who lent the book to me so I would totally agree that it is a great read for all ages. It’s message of supporting acceptance and inclusion is so important, I would definitely recommend reading it.
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Post by Sarah Drew »

This is a good book. I like how it shows views from all the main people on what is going on at that time. I have seen the movie as well. I think he was a very brave kid and so happy once people could see past his looks at the end :).
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Post by Hiru1998+ »

This book is in my to be read. I hope I end up loveing the book.
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Dzejn_Crvena
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Post by Dzejn_Crvena »

Wonder is one of my favorite reads in 2019. I saw the movie's trailer before reading the book.
It has a unique main character who is actually just like a normal boy if not for his physical appearance.
In the sequel of this book, there is a feature for Auggie's bullies, and I appreciate the author for giving a different perspective. Some kids think the same way, and I heard them talk bad things to people they find ugly without thinking of the negative consequences of the cruel words that come out of their mouth.

I recommend this book for English reading in Elementary schools.
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readlikejess
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Post by readlikejess »

I really really love this book. Auggie was so inspiring and lovable. 🥺
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