While the story of Wonder was well thought out and well plotted (if not cliche), R.J. Palacio’s style and voice was hugely off putting. Similar to that of Wendy Mass’s (The Candymakers, 2012), Palicio’s tone was obviously intended to capture the innocence of children but in reality created cringe-worthy dialogues. For instance: "After she handed Jack his folder, she said; ’Okay, so, everybody write down your combinations somewhere safe so you won’t forget, okay? But if you do forget, Mrs. Garcia has a list of all the combination numbers, Now go ahead, take your locks out of your folders and soend a couple of minutes practicing how to open them, though I know some of you went ahead and did that anyway.’" While trying to create the illusion of childhood, Palacio succeeded only in sounding childish. The plot of Wonder, however, is excellent. 10 year old August Pullman, born with a facial deformity, is attending school for the first time in his life, which entails enduring the taunting and fear of his classmates as he strugles to be seen as just another student. Best for ages 8-11. For a more mature and better written book with a similar plot, be sure to read Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper(2010).

posted Sep 15, 2012 at 2:48PM

Home schooled Augie reluctantly goes into 5th grade at Beecher Prep. He and his classmates, initially frightened and repulsed by his horrible facial deformity, have a memorable year, described by several characters. Readers will experience a gamut of emotions, tears to laughter to admiration to empathy. You’ll never avoid looking directly at anyone again. A 2013 ALSC Notable book. Gretchen

posted Feb 21, 2013 at 3:10PM

This was such a great book. It really makes you think about the amount of respect and dignity that you show others.

posted Mar 1, 2013 at 4:26PM

2013 Selection for Santa Monica Reads (Santa Monica, CA)

posted Mar 27, 2013 at 2:05PM

A heart-warming, tender, sometimes heart-breaking, sometimes funny story about Auggie, a 5th grader with many facial deformities. I loved Auggie and his family (and Summer).

posted May 2, 2013 at 6:23PM

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