Wonder by RJ Palacio – Book Review

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Wonder is a story about August (Auggie) Pullman.  August was born with craniofacial abnormalities.  The story takes place as August enters the 5th grade.  He had been homeschooled by his mother, but now he will join his classmates at Beecher Prep.  Wonder is all about his journey through the fifth grade.

I bought Wonder over a year ago.  We were doing a scholastic book order through our school board and I asked the boys to pick out whichever books they wanted from the catalogue.  One of the boys had circled Wonder.  I ordered the book not knowing anything about it.  When we got the book, I read the inside cover to see what the book was about.  After reading the description I was not too sure whether the boys would like it, or even grasp the magnitude of the topic being discussed.  I put it on their bookshelf and there it sat, untouched for over a year.  Part of my hesitation to encourage them to read the book, was because I felt uncomfortable.  I know a few adults with facial abnormalities, and growing up it was never talked about.  I never understood as a child why.

A few months ago, my friend gave birth to a baby girl.  After a few scary days, her little girl was diagnosed with Treacher Collins Syndrome.  Treacher Collins Syndrome (TCS) is a genetic disorder characterized by deformities of the ears, eyes, cheekbones, and chin.  It is not said in the Wonder but the author, RJ Palacio, has confirmed that August has a severe form of TCS and another mysterious syndrome which make his condition quite rare.

After seeing pictures of her precious little girl, I knew it was the time that I had to read that book that had been collecting dust on the boys’ bookshelf.  I had to push through my own discomforts and read it.  I am so glad I did.  Once I started, I could not put it down.

Wonder is a compelling read.  As it is designed for a youthful audience, it is easy to read and yet is full of so much that adults can easily get immersed in the story as well.  Wonder is separated into different sections.  Each section shares a different experience from the perspective of different characters.  In some sections, August shares his experience with us.  In others, we read the viewpoint of his sister Via or his classmates.  Some of the situations overlap, which really helps to share both sides of the story.  It is enlightening and engaging.

I think this is a book that adults need to read.  So many reviews I have seen talk about the important lessons for the school ages children who read this book, but there is so much that adults can learn from Wonder as well.

In Wonder, August deals with many uncomfortable social situations.  As it is about his fifth-grade experience, one would assume it would mostly be about interactions with fellow students, but it is so much more than that.  Adults are as just as susceptible to being bullies as any child is.  We are also not perfect at hiding our discomfort in a situation or surprise upon first glance.  I found myself looking inwards while reading this book.  Thinking back on moments when I talked behind someone’s back for the way they looked or staring while trying to understand what was going on.

After reading Wonder, I wanted to have more candid conversations with my children.  We have been out and about and seen people with different appearances, and I did not know how to act in the situation.  I remember one day, we were at the mall and walked by a man with only one arm.  Ian asked, very loudly, why he only had one arm.  I hurried him along and didn’t really explain anything to him.  I felt like I couldn’t explain anything to him – how would a 4-year-old understand the multitude of reasons why this man might not have had an arm?  But now I realize, I should have tried.  Running away scared was not the answer, nor was it respectful in any way to that man or my child.  Knowledge is power, and I needed to give my children the knowledge they needed in that situation.

Reading Wonder has given me an insight into the other side of the story.  A slight glimmer into what it must feel like to be on the other side of someone looking shocked and then quickly going the other direction.

I don’t want to be that parent who doesn’t explain to their child and help their child understand what they are seeing.  One of the children explains that they thought August was wearing a mask, and the parent’s response is one of disgust to that observation instead of helping that child understand what they saw.  I want to help my children understand.  I don’t want my children to be unintentional bullies.  I want to help them learn to treat every situation and person with respect.

I have shared pictures and videos of my friend’s little girl with my boys.  As expected, they had questions.  I did my best to be able to answer them.  They asked about her tracheotomy tube, her ears…  Now when they see new pictures of her, they just see her as the cute little girl she is.  They can see past what they didn’t understand before, and see her.  By teaching them, I too was able to see past those things.  I can see her for the wonder she is.