By: Catherine Wang

The word “wonder” is not a word that is self-explanatory, and nor is the book. This realistic fiction book by R.J. Palacio really shows the world what it means to choose kindness. This book is well-loved by many for its themes of kindness, acceptance, empathy, and its powerful messages.

This book is a story about a boy named August “Auggie” Pullman, who was born with a rare facial deformity. Because of all the surgeries he’s had and the way he looks, Auggie has been homeschooled until fifth grade, when his parents decide it’s time for him to go to a regular school.

The book shows Auggie as he starts school at Beecher Prep, a private middle school, where he tries to find his place where he belongs, even though the way people react to his appearance weren’t comfortable. What’s cool about Wonder is that it’s told from different characters’ perspectives, not just Auggie’s. We get to see how his sister Via, his classmates, and others around him deal with Auggie’s in their lives, which gives us a bigger picture of how his condition affects everyone, not just him.

Besides some tough experiences like bullying and feeling isolated and alone, Auggie finds friendship and learns a lot about kindness, courage, and accepting himself as he is. It’s a story that really makes you think about how we treat people who are different and reminds us all to “choose kind.” The book’s message of empathy and understanding is what makes it so special—it’s not just about how others treat Auggie, but how we can all be kinder in our own lives.

This book is like a combo of honesty, emotional depth, and the powerful lesson of looking beyond looks is why “Wonder” has so many readers’ hearts, and why I truly recommend this as a reading book.