A review by annorabrady
Wonder by R.J. Palacio

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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