Wonder

By R.J. Palacio

This book was released in 2012 and is considered a "candidate" for the 2013 Newberry Award.  Palacio uses a specific layout/organization that exposes readers to multiple character perspectives of the plot. The plot centers around a year in the life of ten year old August experiencing "a real school" for the very first time.  August has a severe physical deformity that resulted from a rare genetic combination.  He was born with a cleft palate, displaced eyes, misshapen ears, and a large, wide nose. He has undergone thirteen operations on his face and will most likely need more as he grows and develops. The majority of his childhood was spent in and out of hospitals, home schooled, and isolated from society.  August becomes extremely apprehensive when his parents suggest he attend a private middle school at the beginning of the fifth grade school year. August fears rejection from the other students, the teachers and the principal (even though he says he is "used to" being stared at, whispered about, and treated like he is different.) 

 The reader is taken on a journey through the eyes and heart of a brave, resilient, and strong little boy who is determined to acclimate into his new environment.  He experiences kindness, friendship and ongoing support as well as humiliation, bullying, and torment. Palicio divides the chapters into segments narrated by different characters in the book (August, his sister, his sister's boyfriend, a true friend, a bully, a friend who betrays him, and an old friend of his sister who has also been a constant in his life).  Each character's narrative provides a different and unique perspective on August's situation. For example, his sister's narrative offers the reader a view from the perspective of a sibling of a special needs child. Her needs are often put "on the back burner" due to the amount of support and attention August needs from his parents.  She never resents August in anyway, but does feel ignored and embarrassed at times. Her boyfriend's narrative describes the point of view of "an outsider" of the family. He provides an honest description of the family's dynamics and society's opinions and treatment of August. The majority of the chapters are in August's perspective so the reader experiences the authenticity of August's feelings. 

Palacio includes many quotes from songs (specifically Natalie Merchant) and famous people throughout the book.  She includes these quotes to describe a specific character, situation, or personality. Each character's narrative contains a quotation and illustration that define his or her personality or perspective.  The layout, organization and subject matter make this book an emotional and unique read for adolescents and upper elementary students.  It promotes kindness, acceptance, and peace.