Reviews with content warning for Ableism - Wonder

You know I recalled seeing this book, or at least the cover, sometime during my childhood however that was probably once or twice so I never really had the desire to read this book. But for some reason, years later I had a memory of this cover and hunted this book down to see what it was about. Now this being a children's book I didn't really expect much of it. Funny enough, the first time I picked this book up I put it down at around 30 pages. I'm no stranger to dnfing, however, there was something in me that just wouldn't allow me to dismiss this book completely. So a few days passed and then I had the desire to read it and then I read the rest all in one day.

Just wow! I didn't expect to like this book as much as I did. I really do think the difference in POVs did add a little to the story

I had the extended copy with Julian's POV. However, I have no desire to read it. I bet Julian has a nice redemption story, but after he treated Auggie I genuinely have no desire to read it. I honestly felt the same with Jack Will's POV too. I know he got better, but there is no excusing what he said. That was distasteful. He said he'd kill himself if he looked like Auggie. I'm sorry but there's no going back to that for me. I'd personally never be friends with someone after I heard them say that about me.

, however, I will say that the shining story in this book was Auggie's. My goodness, the stuff this little boy had to through throughout his entire life would bring anyone to tears (this book put me to tears a few times). I really liked how we saw not only how Auggie deals with it, but also how other people in his life perceive him (i especially enjoyed his sister's POV). And I'm glad the author didn't describe but also didn't sugarcoat what Auggie looks like and the way he's treated by others.

This book really showcases how much a little kindness goes a long way. And this book also taught me to be more sympathetic because let's be honest here, I know most of us would like to think that we wouldn't treat someone like Auggie this way or wouldn't look at someone like him with contempt and disgust, however, I just don't think that's true. We're used to a certain type of norm and sadly Auggie doesn't fit that norm. However, that doesn't mean he deserves to be treated less than human because of it which is why I'm so grateful for this book for the message it brings and how it illustrates how having sympathy and empathy are so important. If you think this children's book is too juvenile for you, just please give it a try! I don't think you'll regret it!

Content Warnings

insanebookperson's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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annorabrady's review against another edition

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hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The story was good for a middle grade story. However, the author's motivation for writing the story (him feeling bad because his kid didn't have a positive reaction to someone with a facial difference) was pretty apparent in the telling of the story, which verges too close to inspiration *orn. There are also a too many instances that cross the line of ableism, and even the use of the r-slur. I think that the author could have done more to educate himself before writing this story to ensure that he confronted his own internal biases first.

I did like the writing style, though. Especially with the story being told from multiple points of view, which gave the story more depth and interest.

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notthatcosta's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Although quite saccharine at points (particularly the ending), there was a lot of grit to this book that surpassed my expectations. Beyond the book itself I was almost more fascinated by the lore around the story and how R.J. Palacio was inspired to write it.

Books like this make me wish I had discovered them when I was much younger, but perhaps I wouldn't have appreciated them at the time. I sincerely hope reading this book made some kids a little bit kinder to their peers, because if there's a moral to this story, it's that kids can be cruel.

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erins_bookrecs's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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vibingjaren's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional inspiring sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This book was absolutely fantastic. It was recommended to me by a friend, and I loved it! The story starts off a little slow, but as you get further in it gets more interesting. Multiple points in the story, I got teary-eyed. I love the character development, and the way you can see the change. It’s a beautifully written book, and a great read.

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suzyvee's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

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