There's a fifth-grader named August Pullman. On the one hand, he's like other boys his age—he loves going to his friends' birthday parties, playing computer games, he's a Star Wars fan, he plays with his dog, and he fights and makes up with his older sister. But on the other hand, he's completely different from other boys his age. First, August never attended a regular school—his mother homeschooled him from first grade onward. Second, August has undergone 27 surgeries.
Due to a very rare, but occasionally occurring, genetic defect, August has no face. Don't worry. He has eyes and a nose, a mouth and ears. But it's all jumbled up on his face so much that it's hard to tell right away. And from infancy, Augustus was accustomed to the fact that children (and some adults), having taken one look at his face, quickly turned away, or even ran away as fast as they could.
And such a boy must go to school. For the first time. Among ordinary children. The story of Augustus's life (his family, old and new friends) over the course of one school year was told in her first novel by the American author R.J. Palacio.
This book is not about a disabled boy. A boy without a face. An invisible boy. A boy who shocks those around him.
This book is about how courage, a sense of humor, kindness and friendship can work a real miracle. That's why it's called 'Wonder.'
Wonder by R.J. Palacio spent many weeks at number one on the New York Times bestseller list, was chosen as the best book of 2012 by Amazon and the largest bookstore, Barnes & Nobles. 'Wonder' received a gold medal from the National Parents Association and received the 'Teachers' Choice' award, presented by the International Readers' Association. In 2013, 'Wonder' was chosen as the book of the year by readers of the Leningrad Regional Children's Library, and was included in the top 10 books by foreign authors in the 'Book of the Year: Children's Choice' project.
A film based on the book 'Wonder' by Stephen Chbosky will be released on November 16, 2017. Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson play August's parents.
The New York Times Books Review named Wonder one of the outstanding books of 2012. The book has remained on the bestseller list for over a year, ever since its publication.
Fastid critics and famous writers recommend reading Wonder to both children and adults:
Nicholas Sparks, author of books and screenplays for the films The Notebook and Dear John: “This book is a real miracle. It is beautifully written, gripping, and gives the reader so much pleasure that the pages seem to turn on their own. Moreover, Wonder touches us in the most unexpected way, and readers will remember August Pullman forever. Do yourself a favor and read this book – your life will change for the better.”
Rebecca Stead, author of When We Meet: “Full of love, kindness, and truth, Wonder is a book about seeing the beauty around us. We bet you'll fall in love with August Pullman.”
Slate.com: “Wonder is the best children's book of the year.”
The New York Times: “Rich and memorable… It is August and the other children who are the real heart of Wonder. Palacio captures the voices of boys and girls, fifth graders and teenagers, with equal mastery.”
The Huffington Post: “Palacio's writing is at its most brilliant when she writes about truly great things. This book is a remarkable exploration of the nature of friendship, will, fear, and, most importantly, kindness.'
Readers (young and old) are leaving rave comments on the book's Amazon page:
'Amazing story! It will tear you apart, and then bring you comfort!'
'An incredibly touching and heartfelt story.'
'This is a wonderful book! My daughter asked for this book; she heard about it at school. Now she reads it aloud to her little sister every day. The book is written in a way that is suitable for fifth-graders and elementary school students.'
