Wonder book is a children’s novel written by R. J. Palacio, published on 14 February 2012. It is the story of August Pullman, a little boy with a rare craniofacial deformity, and his experiences at school.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Raquel Jaramillo Palacio
Raquel Jaramillo Palacio (born July 13, 1963) is an American author and graphic designer.] She is the author of several novels for children, including the best-selling Wonder, which was adapted into a 2017 film starring Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson.
Wonder Book Short Summary
WHEN GIVEN THE CHOICE BETWEEN BEING
RIGHT OR BEING KIND, CHOOSE KIND.”
― R. J. Palacio, Wonder quote
August Pullman was born with a rare facial deformity which prevented him from attending mainstream school, until now. After being home-schooled for years, he is finally about to start fifth grade at Beecher Prep. Auggie is extremely worried about fitting into middle-school life when he looks so different from the other kids his age. August feels and behaves just like an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But will he able to convince his friends and classmates that he just like them despite his appearances? Wonder is a unique, warm and inspiring story of a boy who strives to fit in at school. With realistic family interactions, lively school scenes, and short chapters, Wonder will make for a delightful read for everyone, especially children.
Wonder Book Chapter Summary,
“My mom smiled at me. Her smile kind of hugged me.”
― R.J. Palacio, Wonder quote
This is a story about a boy with a disfigured face named August Pullman who lives in New York with his father, mother, and sister ,Via . Having been home-schooled for most of his childhood, August is surprised to hear from his parents that he is enrolled for fifth grade in a local prep school called Beecher Prep.
“Funny how sometimes you worry a lot about something and it turns out to be nothing.”
― R.J. Palacio, Wonder quote
At first, August is nervous about the school, but after a quick orientation with a group of students, he looks forward to entering school for the first time. August becomes friends with a boy named Jack And they have a lot of the same classes. August is also friends with a girl named Summer and they eat lunch together everyday. A popular boy named Julian teases August and spreads rumours about him to the rest of the school. Via enters a new high school, but is struggling to adjust as her old friends are branching off and she is forced to make a new group of friends.
“…your deeds are like your monuments. Built with memories instead of stone.”
― R.J. Palacio, Wonder quote
August is excited about Halloween because everyone can wear costumes and he can hide his face. However, when he gets to school, August overhears Jack talking to some boys about him in a bad way and leaves the classroom crying. Meanwhile, Summer is invited to a party with popular kids and asked why she hangs out with August. She leaves the party and continues her friendship with August at school.
Jack can’t figure out why August stopped being his friend, but when he learns that August overheard his hurtful words, he’s sorry and wants to be friends again. Jack and August are paired up to be science fair project partners and when Julian wants to be Jack’s partner and Jack refuses, Jack punches Julian. Jack and August restore their friendship, but Julian excommunicates Jack, telling most of the boys to stop talking to him. Via starts dating Justin, a high school musician, who stands up for Jack against Julian and some bullies.
“That’s how it is in heaven. It’s just love, and no one forgets who they love.”
― R.J. Palacio, Wonder quote
After battling with an illness, Daisy, the family dog, dies. Via invites the family to her play, even though she is only an understudy, but when she fills in for the lead, she does an amazing job. Over time, most of the boys stop siding with Julian and start saying hello to Jack and August. August’s class goes on a camping trip. August Has a great time, except that one night, seventh graders from another school push him, bootjack and some other boys fight back and protect August.
News of the fight makes it around school and people begin talking to August. August attends the Beecher Prep graduation ceremony and is awarded the Henry Ward Beecher medal for his strength throughout the school year and the impact he had on other students. In the end, August and his family celebrate and August thanks his mother for making him go to school.
“It’s what you’ve done with your time, how you’ve chosen to spend your days, and whom you’ve touched this year. That, to me, is the greatest measure of success.”
― R.J. Palacio, Wonder quote
