Wonder by R.J Palacio
Wonder-full, Wonder-struck, Wonder-boy
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| Author: R.J Palacio Format: Paperback Pub Date: 03/01/13 Price: £6.99 Publisher: Corgi Childrens |
I read Wonder last
year when it first came out in hardback and since then I have not read a
children's book that has matched it's ability to tug on each of my heart
strings. The story follows August
Pullman, known affectionately as Auggie, who
bravely bares the burden of having a terrible facial abnormality.
Straight from the
off I really liked Auggie as a character, he's smart, funny and caring, but
above all that he is an incredibly brave and tenacious character. Having
undergone 27 operations he says "I won't describe what I look like.
Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse" and from there we begin to
get to know Auggie .
Throughout his early
life he has been highly sensitive to people's reactions when they meet him.
Some stare openly, others shoot quick glances and talk in whispers, while
others do much worse. I'd like to say children can be cruel but sometimes it
can be adults who are the most insensitive and can inflict the most hurt.
Having this
experience as a yard stick, Auggie then gets to measure how hard life can truly
be; when he starts attending school.
Described as like a "lamb to the slaughter" the real test of
Auggie's character begins when he takes his first step into the playground.
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| Adult cover published by Transworld |
What follows is the
ups and down of Auggie's new life , the impact it has on him and the influence
he has on children and adults alike. Navigating through school is one of the
hardest things anyone can do, the politics, the clicks, the trends, and doing it
when singled out and labelled 'different' is an exceptionally difficult task.
But even at his lowest Auggie still manages to put on a brave face.
Wonder is a story
that lifts you to laughter and reduces you to tears. It is a fantastic read for
both adults and children alike, so much so that Transworld published an adult
version after RHCP did. Filled with kind messages and heart aching truths it is
one book that anyone will read in one sitting.
Don't judge a boy by
his face, a book by it's cover. Such a simple and age old sentiment that R.J
Palacio reinvents in a new and heartfelt way.
Genre: Fiction
Age Range: 11+
Award Info: Waterstones Children's Book of the Month
Uffish: R.J Palacio has worked for a publisher as an Art Director for more than 20 years designing book covers.
Rating: 9/10
