source: purchased
rating:★★★★★
from goodreads:
I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse.
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, now a #1 New York Times bestseller and included on the Texas Bluebonnet Award master list, 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.
my review:
honestly, the only reason i read this book in the first place was because i wanted to watch the movie and i don't like to watch movies before i read the book, BUUUUT i fell in love with this book. it had my emotions on a freakin rollercoaster. i kinda feel like i liked the book a little more because i have a family member with down syndrome and he faces the same struggles Auggie did. This book can show how mean people can be to someones face and behind their back. i love how Auggie's mom was so overprotective but still tried to let him go out and explore life and new adventures on his own. the end of this story really made the waterworks come out, Auggie got his standing ovation. i don't think the standing ovation was given to him just because of his differences, compared to all his classmates, but because he made everyone see things differently in the end. r.j. palacio is a great author and wonder was a hit. i'd recommend this to anyone who wants to read a heartfelt story, but also to everyone. i believe everyone can benefit from reading wonder, it shows how nasty people can be just because of a small difference between themselves and another. the book also shows how one feels from all the mistreatment and people should really take that into consideration.
favorite quotes:
“I think there should be a rule that everyone in the world should get a standing ovation at least once in their lives.”
“Funny how sometimes you worry a lot about something and it turns out to be nothing.”
“It's what you've done with your time, how you've chosen to spend your days, and whom you've touched this year. That, to me, is the greatest measure of success.”