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    Wonder
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    Wonder
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    Wonder
    Audiobook8 hours

    Wonder

    Written by R. J. Palacio

    Narrated by Diana Steele, Nick Podehl and Kate Rudd

    4.5/5

    ()

    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this audiobook

    A special movie tie-in edition of R.J. Palacio's #1 New York Times bestseller, now a major motion picture starring Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, Jacob Tremblay, Daveed Diggs, and Mandy Patinkin.

    Over 6 million people have fallen in love with Wonder and Auggie Pullman, the ordinary boy with the extraordinary face, who inspired a movement to Choose Kind.

    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, a #1 New York Times bestseller, 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.

    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, who proves that you can't blend in when you were born to stand out.

    Join the conversation: #thewonderofwonder, #choosekind

    #1 New York Times bestseller
    USA Today bestseller
    Time Magazine's 100 Best Young Adult Books of All Time
    New York Times Book Review Notable Book
    Washington Post Best Kids' Book

    "In a wonder of a debut, Palacio has written a crackling page-turner filled with characters you can't help but root for." --Entertainment Weekly

    "Rich and memorable." --The New York Times

    "A beautiful, funny and sometimes sob-making story of quiet transformation." --Wall Street Journal

    Editor's Note

    One of the wonders…

    From the start, it’s easy to see why this debut touched so many people and inspired a movie adaptation starring Julia Roberts and Jacob Tremblay. “Wonder” tells the story of August, a young boy who has craniofacial abnormalities and is bullied by many of his new classmates. Palacio maintains a beautifully simple yet believable voice across the multiple perspectives in the story.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBrilliance Audio
    Release dateFeb 14, 2012
    ISBN9781455844234
    Unavailable
    Wonder
    Author

    R. J. Palacio

    R.J. Palacio lives in New York City with her husband, two sons, and two dogs. For more than twenty years, she was an editorial director, an art director, and a graphic designer working on books 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 book had finally come. Learn more about the author at RJPalacio.com. R. J. Palacio is available for select readings and lectures. To inquire about a possible appearance, please contact the Random House Speakers Bureau at rhspeakers@penguinrandomhouse.com.

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    Reviews for Wonder

    4.5/5

    717 ratings480 reviews

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    Review must be at least 10 words

    • 5/5
      Wonder was absolutely beautiful. It was one of the realest book I've ever read. I could feel Auggie so truly, I felt as if he was my little brother in real life. 


      The story itself was wonderful. And I'm finding it hard to write a review because it was just that good! I mean, I can't fathom criticizing a single moment from the book, much less the whole thing. 


      So I guess you can imagine that I'm a fan already, and I'll let you know that I've just borrowed all the other novellas from the Wonder series as well as the movie. 


      So now I'll stop writing this, insist you to read this absolutely amazing book and take my leave to go watch the movie!
    • 5/5
      "I know I’m not an ordinary ten-year-old kid…I know ordinary kids don’t make other kids run away screaming in playgrounds. I know ordinary kids don’t get scared at wherever they go. My name is August, by the way, I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse."August may not look like an ordinary kid, but he loves to do things that ordinary kids like to do such as play games, joke with friends, and do things with family. He was born with a facial malformation and has undergone extensive, painful surgeries that have eventually improved many factors of this life. However, the kids at his new school don’t understand why August is different. As August says, “They were just being normal dumb kids.” You see August has been home schooled by his mother all his life and she finally decided that it may be beneficial for August to go to school and try to interact with kids his own age. At first, he wasn’t thrilled with the idea, but he made a few friends and he really liked going to school, until he runs into some problems that may change his mind. This book is ultimately about August and how life effects him and is not only written in his point of view, but in other points of view such as his sister Via, his new friend Jack and Summer and others he meets on the way which are very important to the story as well.How can I express my feelings for this book? It is funny, moving and thought provoking. It is wonderfully written and the characters are real. I recommend that everyone of all ages read this book and hopefully it will make you reflect on your life and how you feel about yourself and others. One could only hope to become the person that August is. August is COOL BEANS!Thank you to R.J. Palacio, Random House Children's Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to review this book.
    • 4/5
      This is a wonderful book about kindness. It gives the perspective of a boy with a visible "birth defect".

      Auggie has a cranial abnormality, but he still has normal intelligence. So he's very self-aware about his condition and how people see him. The author shows us how Auggie knows the way people look and talk about him. While acknowledging that often it's not malicious, it still hurts.

      Throughout the book, you read perspectives of other characters and see lots of different sides to his story. It would be a great book to read to younger children (8 years) to help develop an understanding and empathy towards others who are different.
    • 5/5
      Okay! This is one of those books, where five stars are too little. Book about not so ordinary boy in ordinary school. Novel that teach us all tolerance and consideration. Clearly, this is also that kind of book, which left you speechless (like I am right now).
    • 5/5
      Everyone should read this book at least once. Always choose kindness.
    • 5/5
      Two days and effectively three sittings is all it took for me to read this book. I absolutely loved the telling of a unique fifth-grade experience. Middle school is difficult for everybody and each individual faces their own challenges, and I really liked how real every character in the story felt. I also really enjoyed that antagonists came in to forms of both parents and children. I liked that friendships were broken and repaired. I like that the characters suffered loss. I like that the characters experienced joy. There was nothing about this book that I felt was unreal or untrue to a child's experience- craniofacial abnormality or not. I strongly recommend reading this book before seeing the movie, and even if you have no intention on seeing the movie I think this book is an important read for anybody who ever will or has ever interacted with an individual with a visible deformity.
    • 4/5
      It's not often that my twelve-year-old insists that I read one of his books. It's far more common that he just reads a book over and over and eventually I become curious and borrow it for a bit. Yet for Wonder he insisted. Kept bringing it to me, multiple times. Would pick it up when it was near me and search it for a bookmark to see if I'd started yet.Of course I gave in.I have a lot of feelings about the movie adaptation that I saw WAY too soon after reading the book, but I will try to focus on the actual book here.I can see why this book is so beloved, and why so many teachers in particular are over the moon about it. I thought it was one of those rare books that successfully represents the daily drama of being young. The stake were so well-balanced in this book -- just high enough without being melodramatic -- with moments of kindness that never devolved into saccharine stickiness. And, I mean, the themes of kindness and inclusion and bravery and loyalty. Auggie is inspirational without being inspiration porn -- he often reminds us that he is just living his life.I did find the switches between perspectives a little jarring. While I appreciated them, especially Via's and Jack's, they also made me antsy -- I felt like I was missing Auggie's perspective for some parts of the story.Thoroughly absorbing.And better than the movie.
    • 5/5
      Synopsis: August was born with a facial birth defect that left him needing multiple surgeries and still with a misshapen face. His parents feel that he needs to go to school when he enters 5th grade. This is a trial, not only to August, but to the other children in the school. Eventually he makes a few friends, and finally gains the respect of most of the kids in the school.Review: This is a very well written book. The author takes the point of view of most of the characters, giving insight into their feelings and their perceptions of August. It reminded me of 'The Mask' movie.
    • 4/5
      WONDER'S SO SAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    • 4/5
      The back story to Wonder as I understand it is this: "R.J. Palacio" was leaving an ice cream shop with her daughter when they passed a special needs child. Palacio reportedly steered her daughter away from the other child to avoid an embarrassing situation. Maybe she was sure her child would blurt out something inappropriate. Her obvious avoidance ended up being more of an embarrassment to everyone. Subsequently, after hearing Natalie Merchant's song of the same name was prompted to write Wonder. Which is why you find the song quoted in several different places.Wonder is written from the point of view of ten year old August Pullman, a boy born with severe facial deformities. Auggie as he is known to his parents and older sister, was home schooled for health reasons through fourth grade. Now as a fifth grader he is about to enter Beecher Prep. Auggie is used to people staring at him but a school of over 500 kids is a whole new world and we all know how cruel kids can be. How August navigates through the triumphs and tribulations will Break Your Heart (to quote another Natalie tune).
    • 5/5
      A wonderful book for all ages - even though it is targeted at young adults. It is not often that a book makes me cry but this did. Starts a bit slowly but once the narration begins to move about it to hos sister and his friends it picks up pace and carries the reader along with it, Verv hard to put down. The characters are all extremely well drawn and sympathetic. Sad,happy, funny, life-affirming; all these adjectives apply. Read It!
    • 5/5
      In my opinion this was a touching book. The main reason I like this book is because the characters are well developed. Throughout the book we see character development no only from Augie but from the other family members as well. I also loved that the point of view changed each chapter. This really kept my attention and kept me interested. I also enjoyed that this book pushes readers to think about normal, every-day experiences from a different perspective. It really opened my mind to what life is like for those with a physical deformity. The message of this story is made pretty clear. Through the story, the main character, his classmates, and the reader all learn how to accept differences.
    • 5/5
      This book was terrific.
    • 5/5
      The best book I've read in ages. Way more moving than Fault in our Stars! Just loved it
    • 4/5
      Fourth grade teaches this at my school, so I've been privileged enough to hear snippets of it. I then stole a copy once the fourth grade was finished (I'll have to steal A Long Walk to Water later, they did that next). I'm enjoying this greatly, but am not looking forward to the movie.
    • 5/5
      This is a story of courage and resilience. 10-year-old Auggie was born with severe facial abnormalities. Up until now he had been home-schooled and protected but it is time for Auggie to step out into the world and attend a regular private middle school. Avoided and bullied, Auggie has a hard time finding acceptance amongst his peers; however, with the support of his teachers and his close friends Summer and Jack, and with his determination and courage, things begin to turn around. A highly recommended read for all ages. The characters are well-developed and real. By the end of the book you will both laugh and cry.
    • 4/5
      The story is a description of a disfigured boy who transitioned from a very sheltered loving existence to the cruelty that he experience when released to the world via attending school.Wonder is divided into eight parts with are told through a different character's perspective.The first and last parts are told through Auggie's perspective which brings all of the parts together.The chapters are short and the ending is a little too convenient but It is nice to read a story where the good guy wins, and a loving family makes a difference.
    • 5/5
      This book is about a boy named August who has never been to a real school because he was born with severe physical disabilities.This book allows for students to take perspectives different from their own and will help students develop empathy for those who may appear different from them.
    • 4/5
      I left this book out of state on accident and was so sad. Picked up just where I left off and man was it well written!!!! Such a unique perspective and a touching story.
    • 4/5
      This is story of boy with a disfigured face. He has been home schooled most of his life as he has undergone medical surgeries and had to have time to recover.This year however, August is going to attend school for the first time. he enters fifith grade and is faced with many challenges of not only being a new kids but anew kid who looks differnt and scary to some. The story is told from many point of views, including that of the main character, his sister, and friends. It would be great to teach kids about point of view as you can see how different characters interpret the same or similiar situations. The book is engaging and addresses some challenging topics about freindship, judging of others, relationships, and seeing each other as humans and for what we have in common instead of what parts of us are different. Student will enjoy this story and there are sequels to this first book.
    • 5/5
      WonderUplifting 5 starsThis book is for people of all ages. I HIGHLY recommend it. The focus is on a boy(August) with severe facial deformities. The story is told from different people's perspectives(August, family and friends). It's a great reminder of how people with challenges and disabilities are often treated by society, family and friends. I loved it!
    • 5/5
      August in an ordinary 10 year old, well on the inside he is but the outside it's totally different. His face is not like an 10 year old, he has abnormalities. People stare and point, he's used to it but still feel sad when it happens.

      He's been home schooled but his mom decides that it's time for him to experience the outside world and be a normal kid in his own way.

      Th story is told several people's point of view August, his sister's Via, Jack, his new best friend, Via's boyfriend and his parents. You feel their pain, their concerns and some, their shame.

      Touching, sweet, this book will inspire you to be kind and respectful of others.
    • 5/5
      Wonder is a story about a young boy named August Pullman. August, or Auggie, was born with a extremely rare dis-function. His face is deformed or as he calls it "ugly". Auggie's parents want him to go to an actual school since he had been home-schooled all the way until 5th grade and his mother can't teach him as much anymore. Auggie is upset with the idea of school but he is take to have a tour and meet the principal anyway. He is given a tour by 3 students, Julian, Jack and Charlotte. Julian seems mean to Auggie. The first day Auggie is bullied by Julian but Jack seems to want ti be friends with him. At Lunch a girl named Summer sits with Auggie. Auggie stars enjoying school even though Julian bullies him. His friendship with Jack stays strong until on Halloween he hears Julian talking to Jack and hears Jack say the principal is really just making him hang out with Auggie. Auggie gets so upset by this he goes home "sick" and doesn't go to school for awhile.The story Changes points of view on each end of the story like Olivia's, Auggie's sister, point of view. and his friends too. The story changes and all of the different sections lead to one whole story. Auggie becomes friends with Jack again and Julian's bullying is dealt with by the principal. Sadly Auggie's dog, Daisy dies whitch makes august extremely upset but he does eventually comes over it and accepts it. Auggie gets hearing aids they kind of make him look like lobot, from StarWars he says. In the end all of the different problems join together and become solved.I absolutely loved this book! One the emotion is really clear parts made me laugh and they made me cry two qualities you find in any good book! Two the book had connections to children bullied and could give them a understanding. Three the way they changed points of views really helped move the story-line along. Four this book honestly is total "cool beans".
    • 5/5
      The first book I ever shared with my daughter! She read it first and suggested I read it too and I am glad a did. A very charming book exploring how hard it really is to be a kid - whether you have a special challenge like Auggie or not. This was a good reminder for me to remember how hard my kids are working every day to fit in, do the right thing, and grow up.
    • 5/5
      I have been hearing about this book for 3 years. I didn't read it at first because I was nervous that it would be emotionally upsetting for me. Ever since I became a parent I find it hard to read books about sick kids. Anyway, my daughter is now 9 years old and this book seems to show up again and again in recommendations and in friends' schools' curriculum. So I thought I would read it so when she read it eventually I would be able to talk with her about it. I loved it. What a beautiful book. I loved everything about it. I thought the characters were really well drawn and all of them interesting. I thought the story was fresh - but most of all - I loved that it is a book about kindness. Everyone needs to be more empathetic and kind. It was totally engrossing and an uplifting read.
    • 5/5
      Simple, enduring, practice kindness... certainly this is a modern classic.
    • 3/5
      Simple and tender with valuable lessons for audiences of all ages, it's no wonder that Wonder has become so ubiquitous among schools around the world, making it modern classic.
    • 5/5
      We loved this book! Loved the audio version with all the different voices.
    • 3/5
      captivating story of a kid with deformities to his face and how he and other people see him in day to day life. Really gets you thinking about how even smallest tasks can be daunting to someone who has such issues. There were a few points where I cried and laughed, i liked all the other peoples prospectives on the main character.
    • 4/5
      I enjoyed this book a lot— not sure it lived up to the hype though (I guess that what happens when stories are over hyped). I loved the different narrators’ voices but Auggie got annoying after awhile. Can’t wait to read the follow up chapters!