Book Review: Wonder, by R. J. Palacio

Have any of you read Voices in the Park, by Anthony Browne? It’s a picture book about a day in the park told four times, each by a different person. The art, font, and story change based on the storyteller. It’s a great example of how different perspectives can color a situation.

Wonder doesn’t go to that extreme, but your sympathies might alter along with the shifts in perspective. The book begins with August “Auggie” Pullman, a 10-year-old who has never been to school – first for medical reasons, and then for, well, his face.

August Pullman does not have a normal face. And the decision to go to school is not easy. And not everyone he meets is….open-minded. But some are. And they make it worth it.

I wasn’t convinced that I actually liked the book at first, but the characters – particularly Auggie’s friends – grew on me.

And it’s fun following the thread of music through the book.

Read if you like: Star Wars, David Bowie, Halloween, books told from multiple perspectives, kindness.

Avoid if you don’t like: Kids learning to be sarcastic, improper capitalization, space oddities, Our Town.

-Signing off, Kit Gette (who can offer no explanation)