Book available @ AMAZON.com
“I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse.”
August Pullman was born with a facial deformity 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.
In a world where bullying among young people is an epidemic, this is a refreshing new narrative full of heart and hope. R.J. Palacio has called her debut novel “a meditation on kindness” –indeed, every reader will come away with a greater appreciation for the simple courage of friendship. Auggie is a hero to root for, a diamond in the rough who proves that you can’t blend in when you were born to stand out.
“”Wonder “is essentially … a wonder. It’s well-written, engaging, and so much fun to read that the pages almost turn themselves. More than that, “Wonder “touches the heart in the most life-affirming, unexpected ways, delivering in August Pullman a character whom readers will remember forever. Do yourself a favor and read this book – your life will be better for it.” – Nicholas Sparks, #1 “New York Times” bestselling author
Slate.com, October 10, 2012:
“”Wonder” is the best kids’ book of the year.”
Entertainment Weekly, February 17, 2012, “The Top 10 Things We Love This Week: ”
“In a wonder of a debut, Palacio has written a crackling page-turner filled with characters you can’t help but root for.”
The New York Times, April 8, 2012:
“Rich and memorable…It’s Auggie and the rest of the children who are the real heart of ‘Wonder, ‘ and Palacio captures the voices of girls and boys, fifth graders and teenagers, with equal skill.”
The Wall Street Journal, June 9, 2012:
“What makes R.J. Palacio’s debut novel so remarkable, and so lovely, is the uncommon generosity with which she tells Auggie’s story…The result is a beautiful, funny and sometimes sob-making story of quiet transformation.”
The Huffington Post, March 1, 2012
R. J. Palacio was born and raised in New York City. She attended the High School of Art and Design and the Parsons School of Design, where she majored in illustration with the hopes of someday following in the footsteps of her favorite childhood author-illustrators, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Maurice Sendak, and the D’Aulaires.
She was a graphic designer and art director for many years before writing Wonder. We’re All Wonders, which is based conceptually on the themes of her novel, represents the fulfillment of her dream to write and illustrate her own picture book. R.J. is also the author of Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories and 365 Days of Wonder: Mr. Browne’s Book of Precepts. She lives in Brooklyn, where she is surrounded by magical water towers, with her husband, their two sons, and their two dogs, Bear and Beau.
Learn more about her at rjpalacio.com or on Twitter at @RJPalacio.
Vincent Salera
Founder @ World's Best Story™ amplifier of creativity & fun!
