Reviews tagging 'Body shaming'

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

53 reviews

krandelzhofer's review against another edition

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funny hopeful inspiring medium-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Great story of kids coming together despite differences in appearance and what it means to be a good friend. Also explored the real impact of being a friend or sibling of someone with a disability. 

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ladyofthelake's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

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lisewolters's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0


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buzzinfly's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing 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

3.25


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blumerlamotte's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

5.0

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE

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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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snipinfool's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Wonder told the story of August “Auggie” Pullman, a ten year old, who was born with cranio-facial abnormalities. His mother had always taught him at home, but his parents felt it was time he went to school with other children his age. Auggie was entering the 5th grade and his parents felt Beecher Prep. would be a good fit for him. It was a smaller school and near their home. All of the students would be moving up to middle school and starting new transitions. Auggie was understandably nervous, but was willing to give it a try. The book followed Auggie throughout his 5th grade year.

I loved this story. Auggie was wonderful. He had a matter-of-fact attitude about himself and abilities. People underestimated his intelligence because of how he looked and he enjoyed proving them wrong. I liked how Auggie’s parents and sister were written. The love and concern they felt for him showed in their words and actions. As one would guess, his year was full of ups and downs. He made friends and gained enemies. These are things that normally happen in school, but it was heartbreaking when he was hurt by others’ actions. It is hard being the new kid at school. I was the new kid several times growing up. We moved to four different cities by the time I graduated from high school. The fifth grade was a new kid year for me. Sometimes, it was not as easy to make new friends when those around you had known each other for years and weren’t looking to add to their friend group. I could relate to some of what Auggie went through being new to the school. The ending was special and uplifting. It was a lesson in learning to trust that you are good enough.

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julessssss's review

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challenging medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 I am not the biggest fan of juvenile realistic fiction on a personal level, but I am not at all upset that I took the time to read this book.

I was expecting Auggie to be the main narrator throughout the whole story, so when the perspective switched, I was surprised.
  I think the author spent a lot of energy to try and get all sides and perspectives of the story, at least in terms of the children/teens involved, and I commend her for that. this is a story of growth, and not just in terms of Auggie and his family, but everyone involved.
(except maybe Julien lol)


even with that growth, I did not love (or even like) all of the characters (which is a good thing, and also part of why I struggle to like books like this). not all real children (or people) are "likeable", and they don't need to be.

I only mildly enjoyed reading this, but (as evidenced by my praise above) would recommend. 

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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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