Wonder [Hardcover]

August 'Auggie' Pullman is a ten-year-old boy, much like many other boys of his age, except that he was born with facial disfigurements. He has undergone countless operations but he is still aware of how different he looks from everyone else, and he is acutely aware of the diverse reactions he gets from people. The novel is narrated by several different voices, each in the first person, and the one that features most is Auggie himself. The other characters who we hear from, like his sister Via, offer different perspectives on Auggie, on how they feel about him, on their relationship with him, and how he affects their lives. The chapters are, for the most part, very short, and it's very easy, and tempting given the lovely writing and the great story, to read a lot, if not all of the book in one sitting. We meet Auggie at a key stage in his life - he has been home schooled until now, partly to protect him, and his parents now want to send him out to attend middle school, a huge and incredibly daunting step for him. Is he brave enough to try it, how will he fit in, how will the other children react to him, and the other parents - so many anxieties surrounding this new part of his life.

This is a lovely read, Auggie himself is endearing, funny, believable, and most importantly he is deeply loved, supported and accepted by his parents and his sister. It could be said this novel is an illustration of the maxim that it is ultimately 'what is on the inside that counts', writ large. But maybe Auggie wouldn't be who he is without being as he is. He has had to learn to deal with peoples' reactions to him, on seeing his face, from shock or fear, to acceptance and friendship from some, or unkindness and taunting from others. He is a kind-hearted boy, who is so happy seeing those he loves enjoy success. On seeing his sister Via receive applause he decides; 'I think there should be a rule that everyone in the world should get a standing ovation at least once in their lives.

The novel offers, through Auggie, a real insight into how it must feel to be considered 'different', and how a child might deal with this. At first when the narrator was no longer Auggie I wondered how well it would work, having gotten used to seeing things from his perspective and enjoying this, but I needn't have worried, as the other characters' sections all add to Auggie's story rather than detract from it. The story isn't just about how Auggie is different though, it's about all the things he experiences that are the same as anyone else of his age, such as not being sure he wants his mum to kiss him in front of everyone anymore, making new friends, getting used to middle school, and so on.

This novel is aimed at a children's and young adult audience but it wouldn't harm anyone of any age to read it and be reminded not to judge by appearances and to be a little kinder to others, and it will reward those who do read it with a moving, at times dark, but also uplifting read.

Wonder is quite simply an awesome book. I enjoyed every page and devoured it within the space of a few hours. It is one of those books I can see I will continue to recommend for years to come.

Wonder is about a young boy called Auggie who was born with a deformed face due to faults within his genetic makeup. As a small child he endured hours of painful surgical procedures but still he doesn't look 'normal'. Reading the book gave me real insight for ordinary people who are considered 'odd' by society and made my heart break for him as you saw all the discrimantion he went through when he went to school for the first time.

The thing I love about Auggie is that on the whole he is prepared to take his lot and just get on with his life without moaning or feeling sorry for himself. He just wants to be considered normal but his peers don't always let him. The most heart breaking thing for me was seeing how he reacted when other children treated him in a horrible way because he couldn't quite understand what gave them the right to treat him in such a way.

I enjoyed how the story switched perspectives throughout giving you greater insight to the world in which Auggie lived. I especially found his sister's story touching in the way in which she had selflessly given up so much for her brother without complaining or jealously for the different ways in which she and her brother were treated.

The overwhelming message you are left with by the end of this beautiful tale is one of hope and the notion that the world would be a much better place if people were more tolerant and kinder to each other. The way this is done really has a lot of reasonance without being cheesy or preachy which is why I think it is such a stunning novel. Certainly a book I would recommend.

I can be cynical sometimes, but it is hard to be anything but delighted and heartened by "Wonder". Don't approach it thinking that it's just for children; it is for all ages (and some of the dialogue from adults in the book may even go over younger children's heads).

I found myself engrossed in "Wonder" from the very first page, something that rarely happens to me. The story is just so alive, it's like a sunburst. I giggled and I cried a little. I scowled but more often I smiled. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone. In particular I think it would be a great choice for reading in school. There are hugely positive lessons in "Wonder": empathy and kindness. It's the old "it's inside what counts" message, but in a fresh, life-affirming package.

I read it in a day, because I couldn't put it down. You really can't go wrong with it.