Summary reviewed by:
Terrence Timmons
Terrence Timmons
Analyst
Bachelor of Arts (BA), University Of California, Santa Barbara 2019
With over 4 years of experience as an analyst. Terrence Timmons is committed to analyzing summaries without compromising on quality.
You won't believe what happens when a boy who's never been to school steps into fifth grade for the first time.
In Wonder by R. J. Palacio, set in the bustling city of New York, we meet August "Auggie" Pullman, a ten-year-old boy with a facial difference due to a genetic condition. After years of being homeschooled to accommodate his numerous surgeries and protect him from stares, Auggie's parents decide it's time for him to experience mainstream education at Beecher Prep Middle School. Navigating the hallways of a new school is daunting for anyone, but for Auggie, it's an uncharted world filled with potential friends and foes.
As Auggie enters this new chapter, he encounters a spectrum of reactions from his classmates—ranging from genuine kindness to hurtful bullying. Students like Summer and Jack become his allies, offering friendship that helps him cope with the challenges he faces. The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, including Auggie's sister Via and his new friends, providing a deep dive into how one person's journey can ripple through the lives of many. Themes of acceptance, empathy, and inner beauty are woven throughout, making the story both touching and thought-provoking.
Wonder invites readers to step into Auggie's shoes and see the world through his eyes. It's a heartwarming tale that underscores the importance of kindness and the courage it takes to be oneself. If you're searching for a story that will make you laugh, cry, and ultimately smile, this book is a must-read that promises to leave a lasting impression.
Date Published: February 14, 2012
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Children's literature
Coming of age
Realistic fiction
Inspirational
Friendship
August “Auggie” Pullman: A ten-year-old boy with a facial difference due to a genetic condition called mandibulofacial dysostosis. He values kindness and bravery, facing the challenges of attending school for the first time with humor and resilience.
Olivia “Via” Pullman: Auggie’s older sister who loves him deeply but often feels overlooked. She values independence and understanding, navigating her own high school experiences while supporting her brother.
Jack Will: Auggie’s classmate who becomes a close friend. He values loyalty and honesty, ultimately standing up for Auggie even when it means facing social backlash.
Summer Dawson: A kind-hearted girl who befriends Auggie from the outset. She values compassion and inclusivity, choosing to sit with Auggie when others avoid him.
Julian Albans: A student who antagonizes Auggie. He represents prejudice and insecurity, often making unkind remarks and leading others to exclude Auggie.
Mr. Tushman: The principal of Beecher Prep who oversees Auggie’s integration into the school. He values empathy and education, fostering a supportive environment for all students.
Miranda Navas: Via’s former best friend who has a connection with Auggie. She values acceptance and goes through her own transformation, reflecting on her actions toward Via and Auggie.
Justin: Via’s boyfriend who is supportive and caring. He values sincerity and becomes a quiet ally to Auggie’s family.
Kindness: The narrative underscores the impact of small acts of kindness. Characters like Summer and Jack demonstrate how empathy can transform someone’s experience.
Acceptance: The story highlights the importance of accepting others and oneself. Auggie’s journey reflects self-acceptance, while his peers learn to see beyond physical appearances.
Courage: Courage is portrayed in facing fears and standing up for what is right. Auggie shows bravery by attending school, and his friends exhibit courage by defending him.
Friendship: True friendship is a cornerstone of the story. The bonds formed help characters grow and challenge societal norms.
Family: The Pullman family’s love and support emphasize the significance of family unity in overcoming difficulties.
Identity: Characters explore their personal identities. Via grapples with her role in the family, and Auggie seeks to define himself beyond his appearance.
"Wonder" follows August "Auggie" Pullman, a boy born with severe facial anomalies due to mandibulofacial dysostosis and a cleft palate. After years of surgeries and homeschooling, his parents decide he should attend Beecher Prep Middle School to gain social experiences. Auggie is hesitant but agrees to try.
Before school starts, Principal Mr. Tushman arranges a meeting with three students—Jack Will, Julian Albans, and Charlotte Cody—to give Auggie a tour. While Jack shows genuine friendliness, Julian's subtle insults foreshadow future bullying.
As the school year begins, Auggie faces a mix of reactions. Summer Dawson chooses to sit with him at lunch, offering sincere friendship. In contrast, a "plague" game circulates, where touching Auggie is considered contagious, spearheaded by Julian.
On Halloween, disguised in a costume, Auggie overhears Jack saying hurtful things about him to fit in with peers. Devastated, Auggie distances himself from Jack. Confused by the sudden change, Jack eventually learns from Summer why Auggie is upset. Realizing his mistake, he sincerely apologizes, and their friendship is rekindled. Jack faces social repercussions for aligning with Auggie but remains steadfast.
Parallel to Auggie's story is Via's journey. Entering high school, she feels overshadowed by Auggie's needs. Her friendship with Miranda becomes strained after Miranda adopts new friends and distances herself. Via finds solace in the school theater, where she meets Justin, her supportive boyfriend. Miranda, missing her connection with Via and Auggie, eventually reconciles with them, revealing she told others about having a deformed brother to gain attention.
Auggie's family faces the loss of their dog, Daisy, which brings them closer. Additionally, Auggie learns his father hid his astronaut helmet—something Auggie wore to avoid being seen—because he missed his face, leading to a touching moment of understanding.
A pivotal event occurs during a school camping trip. Auggie and Jack are harassed by older students from another school. Unexpectedly, classmates who had previously kept their distance come to their defense. This solidarity marks a turning point, dissolving social barriers and fostering acceptance among the students.
Upon returning, Auggie notices positive changes. The "plague" game ends, and he is greeted warmly by peers. Julian's continued bullying leads to disciplinary action; his parents decide to withdraw him from the school after Mr. Tushman refuses to acquiesce to their demands regarding Auggie.
The story culminates at the graduation ceremony. Mr. Tushman delivers a speech about the importance of kindness, referencing precepts taught by their teacher, Mr. Browne, such as "When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind." Auggie is awarded the Henry Ward Beecher Medal for his strength and character. As he receives a standing ovation, Auggie feels a profound sense of belonging and acceptance.
"Wonder" concludes with Auggie's mother whispering, "You really are a wonder, Auggie." The story emphasizes that individual actions can inspire change, highlighting the impact of courage, friendship, and the choice to be kind. Auggie's journey transforms not only himself but also those around him, fostering a community built on empathy and understanding.
In sharing Auggie's journey, we've sought to reflect the warmth and sincerity of his story. By carefully highlighting the pivotal moments that showcase themes like friendship, bravery, and the importance of kindness, we've aimed to provide a summary that stays true to the heart of Wonder. We believe that presenting an accurate and thoughtful overview helps readers connect with the book's message and decide if it's a story they'd like to explore further.
