Wonder: book review (A2)

Wonder is a book about a boy called Auggie who feels ordinary but looks very different. 

Instructions

Do the preparation exercise first and then read the article. If you find it too easy, try the next level. After reading, do the exercises to check your understanding.

What’s Wonder about?

Wonder is the story of a ten-year-old boy who lives with his parents and sister in New York. August, or Auggie, is an ordinary boy in many ways. He rides a bike and likes playing with his Xbox. But Auggie has deformities of the face and looks very different from other children. At the start of the book, he tells us 'My name is August. I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse.' In the street, people look at Auggie and his appearance shocks them.

Auggie has never been to school because he has spent a lot of time in hospital. His mother teaches him at home, but now he’s ten, she thinks he should go to school. At first, Auggie doesn’t want to go. He worries that other students will look at him and say horrible things. But then he visits a school with his mum, he likes the headteacher and decides to go. Auggie’s first year at school has good times and bad times. Auggie makes some good friends but other children are horrible to him. At the end of the year, Auggie goes on a school trip and a frightening event there changes things completely.

Is it a good book?

Wonder is an excellent book. It tells an inspiring story that makes you feel many different emotions. Once I started reading it, I didn’t want to stop. It is easy to like Auggie. He has a good sense of humour, so the book has a good mix of funny and sad moments. But the book isn’t just about Auggie. We learn what life is like for his sister, and Jack, who is Auggie’s friend. Wonder is a book about a ten-year old boy, but it’s popular with people of all ages. Pre-teens, teenagers and adults all love Wonder.

A bestseller

Wonder is RJ Palacio’s first book. On her website, she explains that she had the idea for Wonder after seeing a girl with deformities on the street one day. Many schools are using the book to start discussions about bullying, friendship and being different. The book is very popular and has won prizes. There will be a film of Wonder, and many people, including me, are looking forward to seeing what RJ Palacio writes next.

Robin Newton

Discussion

Do you want to read Wonder? Why?/Why not?

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Comments

Profile picture for user FlowerQueen

Submitted by FlowerQueen on Tue, 01/24/2023 - 14:56

Hi!
I've already watched the movie 'Wonder' a few years ago and I don't really remember, but I didn't like the story. And I think it's a good book for boys and some girls. But I'm not one of those girls.
Flowerqueen~♡

Profile picture for user Kostantinus

Submitted by Kostantinus on Thu, 02/04/2021 - 12:33

I really want to read "Wonder", but I don't have enough time, because I have to study and do my homework. By the way, I've already watched this film. I liked it very much. The main hero is wonderful! He is very kind, friendly and has good sense of humor. I am sure this book is amazing, so I will read it with pleasure.

Submitted by hermione123 on Fri, 02/05/2021 - 12:09

Kostantinus, i haven't seen the movie yet. but, i've read the book in English. this book is definitely amazing! i really recommend you to read it. and the main character, August, is just very cool. he has good sense of humor, as you said.

In reply to by Kostantinus

Submitted by hermione123 on Wed, 12/30/2020 - 11:07

I just finished this book few days ago, and it is really good. one of my favorite books.
Profile picture for user SLMT

Submitted by SLMT on Mon, 10/01/2018 - 07:38

Yes.I really want to read “Wonder”.I have also seen a girl with deformities.She lives in our neighborhood.Everybody treats her as a funny thing.She never goes to school and always stays at home.I always saw she is gazing the children playing outside from the window.I always saw some kind of sad feeling in her eyes. I’m so sorry about her.And I want to be her friend too.But I don’t get a chance.Whenever I tried to talk to her,I missed the timing.Before I got a chance to talk to her, her family moved to another town.I wonder where she lives and how she lives.This story makes me remember her.

Submitted by sheenadiya on Wed, 08/29/2018 - 11:47

Yes,I want to read "Wonder"because it seams like an inspirational book which could provide a boost of confidence in readers.
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