'I know I’m not an
ordinary ten year-old kid. I mean, sure, I do ordinary things… I feel ordinary
on the inside. But I know ordinary kids don’t make other ordinary run away
screaming in playgrounds. I know ordinary kids don’t get stared at wherever
they go.'
Born with a severe craniofacial abnormality, August
'Auggie' Pullman has had 27 surgeries by the age of 10. Auggie never describes
what he looks like. All he says is "Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse." Auggie's family have become
good at ignoring the stares and comments they encounter every day. Except
his fiercely protective old sister Via. Due to the amount of time he
spent in hospital, Auggie has been home schooled by his mother his
whole life. Now Auggie's parents have decided that it would be good
for him to attend middle school.
I tried to write a huge review of this book. I wrote about 5 different drafts but they just felt like every other review on the internet (of which there are thousands.) So I'm just going to tell you why I loved this book...
The most obvious message in this book is that there are many things about a person that are much more important than appearance. If you judge someone only by looking at them you may be missing out on a wonderful person. This is a message I feel very strongly about, but my favourite message in the book is the importance of kindness. Wonder demonstrates how a simple act of kindness can have a profound effect in someone else's life. As Mr Tushman puts it, in his end of year address, "If every single person in this room made it a rule that wherever you are, whenever you can, you will try to act a little kinder than is necessary - the world really would be a better place."
Palacio has created some truly incredible characters. She allows each character to tell a part of the story giving us great insight into how they are thinking and feeling. I have no doubt that Auggie will win your heart from the very first page. Having worked as an integration aide, I have seen many different responses to bullying. I greatly admire the way Mr Tushman (The Principal of Auggie's school) welcomes Auggie and deals with many incidents along the way. Especially the way he doesn't back down when intolerant parents criticize his decision to accept Auggie into the school. I absolutely adored Auggie's family. They are all very loving, protective and supportive of Auggie, but they also push him to leave his comfort zone and find his place in the world. They are always there to support him when things go wrong and celebrate with him when things go right. The growth of some characters, such as Jack Will and Via, is inspiring but the character that will always have a place in my heart is Summer. From day one Summer never saw Auggie any differently to any other kid. She endures a lot of ridicule from other students for her friendship with Auggie but she couldn't care less. Her kindness and self confidence left me vowing to be just like her in my own life.
Most importantly this book gives us the insight and
understanding to treat the Auggie's in our own life with kindness and respect and not miss out on the wonderful people underneath. 'Wonder' is very accessible; written in
simple language and short chapters. I would recommend it to anyone and everyone.
Happy Reading! xo
Love, Jessica
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This looks like a really interesting book! I'm creating a list of books I want to read this year. I just might have to add it now :) I completely agree with what you said how a small act of kindness can have a huge impact on someone. It is so true. There's a really great quote I love that kinda speaks to that thought: "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about."
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful book. Definitely one of the best I have ever read.
ReplyDeleteI love that quote. I shall be adding that one to my collection. Thanks for sharing it :) and thank you for commenting!