Wonder

The extraordinary #1 "New York Times" bestseller that has captivated over 1 million readers now also includes the bestselling short story "The Julian Chapter."
"I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse. "
August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid--but his new classmates can't get past Auggie's extraordinary face. WONDER, now a #1 "New York Times" bestseller and included on the Texas Bluebonnet Award master list, begins from Auggie's point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community's struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance.
"Wonder is the best kids' book of the year," said Emily Bazelon, senior editor at Slate.com and author of "Sticks and Stones: Defeating the Culture of Bullying and Rediscovering the Power of Character and Empathy." In a world where bullying among young people is an epidemic, this is a refreshing new narrative full of heart and hope. R.J. Palacio has called her debut novel "a meditation on kindness" --indeed, every reader will come away with a greater appreciation for the simple courage of friendship. Auggie is a hero to root for, a diamond in the rough who proves that you can't blend in when you were born to stand out.
Join the conversation: #thewonderofwonder

#1 "New York Times" bestseller
A School Library Journal Best of Children's Books 2012
A Publishers Weekly Best of Children's Books 2012
A Kirkus Reviews Best of Children's Books 2012
A Booklist Best of Children's Books 2012
""Wonder "is essentially ... a wonder. It's well-written, engaging, and so much fun to read that the pages almost turn themselves. More than that, "Wonder "touches the heart in the most life-affirming, unexpected ways, delivering in August Pullman a character whom readers will remember forever. Do yourself a favor and read this book - your life will be better for it." - Nicholas Sparks, #1 "New York Times" bestselling author
Slate.com, October 10, 2012:
""Wonder" is the best kids' book of the year."
Entertainment Weekly, February 17, 2012, "The Top 10 Things We Love This Week: "
"In a wonder of a debut, Palacio has written a crackling page-turner filled with characters you can't help but root for."
The New York Times, April 8, 2012:
"Rich and memorable...It's Auggie and the rest of the children who are the real heart of 'Wonder, ' and Palacio captures the voices of girls and boys, fifth graders and teenagers, with equal skill."
The Wall Street Journal, June 9, 2012:
"What makes R.J. Palacio's debut novel so remarkable, and so lovely, is the uncommon generosity with which she tells Auggie's story...The result is a beautiful, funny and sometimes sob-making story of quiet transformation."
The Huffington Post,
March 1, 2012: "It's in the bigger themes that Palacio's writing shines. This book is a glorious exploration of the nature of friendship, tenacity, fear, and most importantly, kindness."
January 2013: "I think every mother and father would be better for having read it. Auggie's parents -- who are never named in the book, and don't even get to narrate a chapter of their own -- are powerful examples not only of how to shelter and strengthen a child with heartbreaking facial anomalies, but also of how to be a loving advocate to any kid."
The London Times, "The Top 100 People to Watch in 2012: "
"The breakout publishing sensation of 2012 will come courtesy of Palacio [and] is destined to go the way of Mark Haddon's "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" and then some."
"Full of heart, full of truth, "Wonder" is a book about seeing the beauty that's all around us. I dare you not to fall in love with Auggie Pullman."
- Rebecca Stead, Newbery award-winning author of "When You Reach Me
""It is the deceptive simplicity and honesty of the work that make "Wonder" so memorable. Every single character seems real and well drawn and oh-so human...This book is beautiful." - Christopher Paul Curtis, Newbery award-winning author of "Bud, Not Buddy"
"A beautiful story of kindness and courage. There are many real and well-developed characters, and they each have their shining moments. Of course, Auggie shines the brightest." - Clare Vanderpool, Newbery award-winning author of "Moon Over Manifest"
""Wonder "is a beautifully told story about heartache, love, and the value of human life. One comes away from it wanting to be a better person." - Patricia Reilly Giff, two-time Newbery honor-winning author of "Lily's Crossing" and "Pictures of Hollis Woods"
""Wonder" is a shining jewel of a story that cannot help but encourage readers of all ages to do better, to be better, in how they treat others in life. I'm totally in love with this novel." - Trudy Ludwig, anti-bullying advocate and author of "My Secret Bully," "Confessions of a Former Bully," "Better Than You," and "Just Kidding"
Starred Review, Publishers Weekly, February 20, 2012:
"Few first novels pack more of a punch: it's a rare story with the power to open eyes--and hearts--to what it's like to be singled out for a difference you can't control, when all you want is to be just another face in the crowd."
Starred Review, Booklist, February 1, 2012:
"Palacio makes it feel not only effortless but downright graceful, and by the stand-up-and-cheer conclusion, readers will be doing just that, and feeling as if they are part of this troubled but ultimately warm-hearted community."
Starred Review, School Library Journal, February 1, 2012:
"Palacio has an exceptional knack for writing realistic conversation and describing the thoughts and emotions of the characters...A well-written, thought-provoking book.""
"Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews, December 15, 2011:
"A memorable story of kindness, courage and wonder."
A School Library Journal Best of Children's Books 2012
A Publishers Weekly Best of Children's Books 2012
A Kirkus Reviews Best of Children's Books 2012
A Booklist Best of Children's Books 2012
""Wonder "is essentially ... a wonder. It's well-written, engaging, and so much fun to read that the pages almost turn themselves. More than that, "Wonder "touches the heart in the most life-affirming, unexpected ways, delivering in August Pullman a character whom readers will remember forever. Do yourself a favor and read this book - your life will be better for it." - Nicholas Sparks, #1 "New York Times" bestselling author
Slate.com, October 10, 2012:
""Wonder" is the best kids' book of the year."
Entertainment Weekly, February 17, 2012, "The Top 10 Things We Love This Week: "
"In a wonder of a debut, Palacio has written a crackling page-turner filled with characters you can't help but root for."
The New York Times, April 8, 2012:
"Rich and memorable...It's Auggie and the rest of the children who are the real heart of 'Wonder, ' and Palacio captures the voices of girls and boys, fifth graders and teenagers, with equal skill."
The Wall Street Journal, June 9, 2012:
"What makes R.J. Palacio's debut novel so remarkable, and so lovely, is the uncommon generosity with which she tells Auggie's story...The result is a beautiful, funny and sometimes sob-making story of quiet transformation."
The Huffington Post,
March 1, 2012: "It's in the bigger themes that Palacio's writing shines. This book is a glorious exploration of the nature of friendship, tenacity, fear, and most importantly, kindness."
January 2013: "I think every mother and father would be better for having read it. Auggie's parents -- who are never named in the book, and don't even get to narrate a chapter of their own -- are powerful examples not only of how to shelter and strengthen a child with heartbreaking facial anomalies, but also
""Wonder "is essentially ... a wonder. It's well-written, engaging, and so much fun to read that the pages almost turn themselves. More than that, "Wonder "touches the heart in the most life-affirming, unexpected ways, delivering in August Pullman a character whom readers will remember forever. Do yourself a favor and read this book - your life will be better for it." - Nicholas Sparks, #1 "New York Times" bestselling author
Slate.com, October 10, 2012:
""Wonder" is the best kids' book of the year."
Entertainment Weekly, February 17, 2012, "The Top 10 Things We Love This Week: "
"In a wonder of a debut, Palacio has written a crackling page-turner filled with characters you can't help but root for."
The New York Times, April 8, 2012:
"Rich and memorable...It's Auggie and the rest of the children who are the real heart of 'Wonder, ' and Palacio captures the voices of girls and boys, fifth graders and teenagers, with equal skill."
The Wall Street Journal, June 9, 2012:
"What makes R.J. Palacio's debut novel so remarkable, and so lovely, is the uncommon generosity with which she tells Auggie's story...The result is a beautiful, funny and sometimes sob-making story of quiet transformation."
The Huffington Post, March 1, 2012:
"It's in the bigger themes that Palacio's writing shines. This book is a glorious exploration of the nature of friendship, tenacity, fear, and most importantly, kindness."
The London Times, "The Top 100 People to Watch in 2012: "
"The breakout publishing sensation of 2012 will come courtesy of Palacio [and] is destined to go the way of Mark Haddon's "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" and then some."
"Full of heart, full of truth, "Wonder" is a book about seeing the beauty that's all around us. I dare you not to fall in love with Auggie Pullman."
- Rebecca Stead, Newbery award-winning author of "When You Reach Me
""It is the deceptive simplicity and ho
Starred Review, Publishers Weekly, February 20, 2012:
"Few first novels pack more of a punch: it's a rare story with the power to open eyes--and hearts--to what it's like to be singled out for a difference you can't control, when all you want is to be just another face in the crowd."
"Entertainment Weekly," February 10, 2012:
"In a wonder of a debut, Palacio has written a crackling page-turning filled with characters you can't help but root for. A--"
Starred Review, Booklist, February 1, 2012:
"Palacio makes it feel not only effortless but downright graceful, and by the stand-up-and-cheer conclusion, readers will be doing just that, and feeling as if they are part of this troubled but ultimately warm-hearted community."
Starred Review, School Library Journal, February 1, 2012:
"Palacio has an exceptional knack for writing realistic conversation and describing the thoughts and emotions of the characters. Everyone grows and develops as the story progresses, especially the middle school students. This is a fast read and would be a great discussion starter about love, support, and judging people on their appearance. A well-written, thought-provoking book.""
"Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews, December 15, 2011:
"A memorable story of kindness, courage and wonder."
"The breakout publishing sensation of 2012 will come courtesy of Palacio [and] is destined to go the way of Mark Haddon's "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" and then some." - "The London Times," "The Top 100 People to Watch in 2012"
""Wonder "is a book with such a big wide heart - it shows how we are all fragile, imperfect, and perfectly beautiful creatures. A wonderful novel by a wonder of a writer!" - Julia Alvarez, author of "Return to Sender," "Before We Were Free," "Finding Miracles," and the Tia Lola Stories
"This really is a remarkable book!" - Tom Angleberger, author of the "New York Times" bestseller "The Strange Case of
"Entertainment Weekly", February 10, 2012:
"In a wonder of a debut, Palacio has written a crackling page-turning filled with characters you can't help but root for. A--"

Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews, December 15, 2011:
"A memorable story of kindness, courage and wonder."

Starred Review, Booklist, February 1, 2012:
"Palacio makes it feel not only effortless but downright graceful, and by the stand-up-and-cheer conclusion, readers will be doing just that, and feeling as if they are part of this troubled but ultimately warm-hearted community."

Starred Review, School Library Journal, February 2012:
"Palacio has an exceptional knack for writing realistic conversation and describing the thoughts and emotions of the characters. Everyone grows and develops as the story progresses, especially the middle school students. This is a fast read and would be a great discussion starter about love, support, and judging people on their appearance. A well-written, thought-provoking book.""

""The breakout publishing sensation of 2012 will come courtesy of Palacio [and] is destined to go the way of Mark Haddon's "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" and then some." - "The London Times", "The Top 100 People to Watch in 2012"

""Wonder "is a book with such a big wide heart - it shows how we are all fragile, imperfect, and perfectly beautiful creatures. A wonderful novel by a wonder of a writer!" - Julia Alvarez, author of "Return to Sender", "Before We Were Free", "Finding Miracles", and the Tia Lola Stories

"This really is a remarkable book!" - Tom Angleberger, author of the "New York Times" bestseller "The Strange Case of Origami Yoda"

"August Pullman reminds us of what true beauty is." - Paul Hankins, "Goodreads"

"Do I recommend "Wonder"? "Yes", very much!! It's an eye opener for any age." - "Attack of the Book "(blog)
Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews, December 15, 2011:
"A memorable story of kindness, courage and wonder."
Starred Review, Booklist, February 1, 2012:
"Palacio makes it feel not only effortless but downright graceful, and by the stand-up-and-cheer conclusion, readers will be doing just that, and feeling as if they are part of this troubled but ultimately warm-hearted community."
Starred Review, School Library Journal, February 2012:
"Palacio has an exceptional knack for writing realistic conversation and describing the thoughts and emotions of the characters. Everyone grows and develops as the story progresses, especially the middle school students. This is a fast read and would be a great discussion starter about love, support, and judging people on their appearance. A well-written, thought-provoking book.""
""The breakout publishing sensation of 2012 will come courtesy of Palacio [and] is destined to go the way of Mark Haddon's "The Curious Incident of t
Starred Review, Booklist, February 1, 2012:
"Palacio makes it feel not only effortless but downright graceful, and by the stand-up-and-cheer conclusion, readers will be doing just that, and feeling as if they are part of this troubled but ultimately warm-hearted community."
Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews, December 15, 2011:
"A memorable story of kindness, courage and wonder."
""Wonder "is a book with such a big wide heart - it shows how we are all fragile, imperfect, and perfectly beautiful creatures. A wonderful novel by a wonder of a writer!" - Julia Alvarez, author of "Return to Sender," "Before We Were Free," "Finding Miracles," and the Tia Lola Stories
"This really is a remarkable book!" - Tom Angleberger, author of the "New York Times" bestseller "The Strange Case of Origami Yoda"
"August Pullman reminds us of what true beauty is." - Paul Hankins, "Goodreads"
"Do I recommend "Wonder"? "Yes," very much!! It's an eye opener for any age." -

R. J. PALACIO lives in NYC with her husband, two sons, and two dogs. For more than twenty years, she was an art director and graphic designer, designing book jackets for other people while waiting for the perfect time in her life to start writing her own novel. But one day several years ago, a chance encounter with an extraordinary child in front of an ice cream store made R. J. realize that the perfect time to write that novel had finally come. "Wonder" is her first novel. She did not design the cover, but she sure does love it.

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