Our Rating:
Library Formats:
Book,
eAudiobook,
Large Print
Age Group:
8+
Genre:
Coming of
Age, Friendship
Review by Polly Read
Wonder is about ten year old August “Auggie” Pullman, a boy who is a completely nomad kid that enjoys playing computer games, science and is a massive Star Wars fan. August though has got a rare facial disfigurement, that makes social situations very difficult. Due to his condition, August has been homeschooled by his parents for several years. His parents want him to experience the the world and make friends, so they decide to enrol him into mainstream school. The story follows August though his first ever year at school. The challenges and struggles with being accepted by others and overcoming bullies, to the happiness and joy of making friends and the importance of friendship.
I read this book as I had heard that it was a film which looked good, but I wanted to read the book first (the book is definitely much better than the film). It was also a book that I was reading as part of a book group that I was a member of.
I thought that this was a very good book. It is a lovely story that is funny, sad, moving and uplifting. It has a very clear message of the importance of being kind, kindness and acceptance. I liked that the chapter/parts of the book where from defiant peoples perspective of August these were his parents, sister, friends, teachers, bullies and from August himself. The part of the book that I did enjoy most was when Augusts was on a school camp. One evening he and his friend decided to go exploring in the woods and meet a group olde kids who started to bully him. August, with the help of his friends stood up to the bullies.
My favourite quotes from the book are:
“When given the choice between being right or being kind, chose kind.”
“It is not enough to be friendly. You have to be a friend.”
The book is recommended for children aged eight to twelve years old, but as an adult I also enjoyed reading it. Although it is set in America, and uses American English I found it is fairly essay to read. The story flows well as it keeps good pace.
This book has become one of my favourites.
I would give the book a five out of a five star rating.