Goodreads Choice Awards Book Club discussion

We will be reading Wonder by R.J. Palacio as a group as a (sort of) first in series before reading the Picture Book winner, We're All Wonders.



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.

“Wonder is the best kids’ book of the year,” said Emily Bazelon, senior editor at Slate.com and author of Sticks and Stones: Defeating the Culture of Bullying and Rediscovering the Power of Character and Empathy. 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.

I love this book <3

I have read this book (at least) twice and my kids had it as assigned reading in school. I was a bit worried that it would upset them too much to read, but it was fine. The book is a bit of an emotional roller coaster. I love it!

I agree. I thought it was a great book and very well done.

Paula, I love when teachers find more contemporary books for kids to read for school. I feel like the kids can relate more. What grade was it assigned for?

I think it was 6th grade for both of them, so 12yo (kids start school at 7yo here).

Been meaning to read this book for years. Poor thing has been gathering dust on my to read shelf. So glad I decided to look for a book club this month and saw this!

Only a few chapters in but I really like it so far!

Glad you decided to pick it up Kerrie, I don't think you'll be dissapointed

Welcome, Kerrie! I hope you enjoy it. I thought it was a wonderful. book.

I just picked up 365 Days of Wonder: Mr. Browne's Book of Precepts from the library and I own Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories. Someone told me they enjoyed the short stories even more than the original book, so I have high hopes.

I just read this book. I was trying to get it for March so I could read with the group but with the wait list it worked out that I got it in February and had to return it a the end of February.

I enjoyed the story. I thought the ending was a little goofy. I loved the different perspectives from the people in August's life. I didn't have as much emotion reading it as I thought I would which is why I only rated it 3 stars. It is a great story that all kids should definitely read. I can't wait to see the movie.

Thanks for the welcome guys!
I will have to check those out Kristie thanks.

I finished the book today and have to say I absolutely loved it!

I found it so moving that I almost cried twice reading it and both times were in public!

one of my favourite quotes from the book has to be August's precept ❤