Wonder is one of those children’s stories that even adults can read and enjoy. The novel follows ten-year-old August “Auggie” Pullman, who was born with a facial deformity. Due to dozens of surgeries and medical appointments, Auggie has been home schooled all his life – until now.

Auggie is accepted into private school, Beecher Prep, where the principal, Mr. Tushman, and several handpicked students welcome him with varying degrees of open arms. Everyone entering middle school is special and unique in their own way but school can be especially difficult when your difference is visible. Auggie is the victim of bullying but survives it with the help of his loving friends  and family.

The author, R. J. Placio, may not be a middle school boy with a rare genetic disorder, but she does understand character development, living with differences, and how young people think.
Diversity of all kinds are being better represented in books and Wonder is a fine example. It never sets out to downplay Auggie’s differences but acknowledges and empathizes with his struggles while holding onto the idea that we are stronger than what other people think about us. That is an important lesson to remember no matter what age we are.