Reading about Auggie’s 27 surgeries, rejoicing at his vibrant inner life, hurting for him when he felt lonely or misunderstood, and seeing his life from various different perspectives, it’s impossible not to be moved by his story. With a total of six different voices, I would normally say this is far too many, but in this particular case every person offered an insight into August’s beautiful personality and amazing life in a way that would be impossible to otherwise know. And just when you think life can’t possibly get any harder or more challenging, sometimes it does.Īlthough the book is primarily told from Auggie’s perspective, it was a surprise to me when it switched to a few other points of view. Some kids behave one way in front of adults and another way in front of kids.
I was just pointing out the fact that he’s a wookie.Įven with a positive attitude and smart, loving parents, however, Auggie’s story is not an easy one to read, and my emotions ran wildly from sadness to hilarity to terrible anger at what happens to him. And if the wookie caught me saying that, he’d know I wasn’t trying to be mean. Hey, the truth is, if a wookie started going to school all of a sudden, I’d be curious, I’d probably stare a bit! And if I was walking with Jack or Summer, I’d probably whisper to them: Hey, there’s the wookie.
It’s okay, I know I’m weird-looking, take a look, I don’t bite. Auggie’s smart, funny personality will win over readers who will agonize with him over the complicated web of friendships and family even as they cheer for him as he learns some of life’s big and scary lessons. With the matter-of-fact wisdom that warmed Beverly Cleary’s books, this story about growing up is full of heart and humor, and written with a clear-eyed intelligence that never descends into cynicism.
In addition, he also has a severe facial deformity that stops strangers in their tracks, so all the usual perils of the fifth grade take on even more heightened stakes. 10-year-old Auggie is going to school for the first time in his life, and he has to navigate new rules, learn to interact with teachers, and figure out how to make new friends.
If you remember how terrifying it was to be a kid on a day to day basis, you’ll appreciate August’s story. It’s an upbeat, humorous, life-affirming story that deserves to be read-and it’s one that may just change its readers, too. Wonder is one of those rare books that makes you want to hug everyone in it so tightly that they’ll have no doubt about how much you love them…and beyond that, it also makes you want to reach out and hug the whole world.
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