Wonder

Story

Starting in a new school is never easy. But for August Pullman, it’s terrifying. In 5th grade he has his first experience of a mainstream school, Beecher Prep. As his classmates struggle to see beyond the facial difference August was born with, they learn what it means to choose kindness, while August learns the true meaning of acceptance.

Why we chose it

A story about friendship courage, acceptance and kindness which was particularly popular with teachers who enjoyed sharing it with their older primary classes.

Where it came from

R. J. Palacio was inspired to write the story after a trip to an ice cream store with her children. After seeing a child with a facial difference, her son began to cry. The author led her son away quickly, not wanting to hurt the other child’s feelings but later wished she had taken the time to talk to them instead, so that her own son would realise there was nothing to be afraid of.

The title ‘Wonder’ came from a song by Natalie Merchant which talks of being different. The author claims the song helped her write the book

Where it went next

Selling over 5 million copies worldwide, Wonder has been translated into 50 languages and stayed on the New York Times Bestseller list for over a year. It was adapted into a film of the same name in 2017 and has received many awards and nominations. Among them, the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize (2013), the Josette Frank Award (2013) and the Independent Bookseller Book of the Year Award. Other nominations included the Carnegie Medal and Specsavers National Book Award. Wonder also inspired the Choose Kind campaign throughout schools.

Associated stories

Following the success of Wonder, R. J. Palacio published 365 Days of Wonder: Mr. Brown’s Book of Precepts (2014), Auggie and Me (2015), The Julian Chapter (2014), Pluto (2015), and Shingaling (2015). Although not direct sequels, they tell the story of August Pullman from the perspective of his family and classmates.