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I went a bit kicking and screaming into the reading of this one because I thought --- yet another soppy sad story of a kid with a serious problem. Not to mention realistic school stories too often feel forced to this veteran classroom teacher. But as I read further into it I was completely taken in. This is a truly lovely story and beautifully, beautifully told. The movement between different characters' points of view is nicely done. The children and adults all seem real as can be, not a one se
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Yeah, it's really really good...
(I'm coming back years, later, because I've thought a lot about Wonder, as a book and a phenomenon. I enjoyed the book, and I'm wowed by the effect it's had in the world, but something about it has nagged at me. I think this book is essentially a fantasy. I really wish the end was more realistic-- that the power of the "Choose kind" message would be more powerful if it was paired with an understanding of how one has to move forward even when people make less kind ...more
(I'm coming back years, later, because I've thought a lot about Wonder, as a book and a phenomenon. I enjoyed the book, and I'm wowed by the effect it's had in the world, but something about it has nagged at me. I think this book is essentially a fantasy. I really wish the end was more realistic-- that the power of the "Choose kind" message would be more powerful if it was paired with an understanding of how one has to move forward even when people make less kind ...more
Always try to be a little kinder than necessary.
...everyone in the world should get a standing ovation at least once in their lives.
...no, no, it's not all random, if it really was all random, the universe would abandon us completely. and the universe doesn't. it takes care of its most fragile creations in ways we can't see. ...maybe it is a lottery, but the universe makes it all even out in the end. the universe takes care of all its birds. ...more
...everyone in the world should get a standing ovation at least once in their lives.
...no, no, it's not all random, if it really was all random, the universe would abandon us completely. and the universe doesn't. it takes care of its most fragile creations in ways we can't see. ...maybe it is a lottery, but the universe makes it all even out in the end. the universe takes care of all its birds. ...more
Aug 29, 2012
Michele
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
juvenile-8-12,
book-club
My daughter read this in 4th grade and bought it for me for Christmas because she knew I would like - she was right! I thought the story was beautifully written and loved the telling of it from different perspectives, although I agree with those who thought the kids acted older than their age (both 5th graders and 9th graders). It was close, but not quite right.
The version I read also had a bonus section that tells the story from Julian's POV (the mean kid). That may have been one of the best p ...more
The version I read also had a bonus section that tells the story from Julian's POV (the mean kid). That may have been one of the best p ...more
Words cannot express how much I love Auggie, the main character, and his family!! This is such a powerful book!!
2nd read -- in the wee hours of April 1, I finished Wonder for the 2nd time, and this time I read far more carefully in preparation for our GREat Book Discussion (parent/student) this Tuesday. If possible, it was even better the 2nd time, because I read more thoughtfully, with post-its at the ready. Characters were richer and more fleshed out for me this time. LOVE this book!
3rd read - ...more
2nd read -- in the wee hours of April 1, I finished Wonder for the 2nd time, and this time I read far more carefully in preparation for our GREat Book Discussion (parent/student) this Tuesday. If possible, it was even better the 2nd time, because I read more thoughtfully, with post-its at the ready. Characters were richer and more fleshed out for me this time. LOVE this book!
3rd read - ...more
This is one of those books that, like Out of My Mind, allows kids a glimpse into the inner life of someone who seems very different from themselves - a window into a different experience based on physical appearances. The perspective shifts between several characters, which felt very effective and allowed the story to be about both August's own experiences and the way other kids and teens interact with him. The writing is straightforward but the style still feels lovely, somehow.
There was one pl ...more
There was one pl ...more
What an amazing book! This one is life changing. Themes of bullying turn to messages of kindness. I predict that this one will be the Newbery Award winner for this year.
This book is about a 5th grade boy named August who has a horribly deformed face. He goes
to middle school after being raised in a protected and loving home environment. The author presents various viewpoints--Auggie himself, his sister and various friends. The story is very realistic,
yet positive. I loved the quote "Shall we always try to be a little kinder than is necessary?"
"Because it's not enough to be kind. One should be kinder than needed." I want to have a copy
of this book in every one ...more
to middle school after being raised in a protected and loving home environment. The author presents various viewpoints--Auggie himself, his sister and various friends. The story is very realistic,
yet positive. I loved the quote "Shall we always try to be a little kinder than is necessary?"
"Because it's not enough to be kind. One should be kinder than needed." I want to have a copy
of this book in every one ...more
4.5 stars
So much to love about this book. The only reason this gets 4.5 stars instead of 5 is that I wanted more of Auggie's voice and Auggie's story.
I enjoyed the fact that the parents were such an integral part of the story. Often that's not the case in children's and teen books. ...more
So much to love about this book. The only reason this gets 4.5 stars instead of 5 is that I wanted more of Auggie's voice and Auggie's story.
I enjoyed the fact that the parents were such an integral part of the story. Often that's not the case in children's and teen books. ...more
i loved Auggie. and his sister. and his parents. this would make a perfect read aloud for upper elementary or middle school. it dealt with a disibility in such a straightforward, but uplifing manner.
After being homeschooled, Augie, a disfigured boy, enrolls in his neighborhood prep school for fifth grade. The predictable things happened complete with his triumph at graduation (yep, fifth grade graduation). It reminded me of an "after school special." I was a bit disappointed because everyone raved about this book.
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Funny and poignant and realistic and fantastic.
I really enjoyed this book, though I thought the ending was a bit too happy/unrealistic.
