A close friend of mine, Paramveer, who feels more like an older brother, recommended Wonder to me. We decided to exchange books that are close to our hearts, and this one stuck with me. I liked it so much I gifted it to my childhood best friend, Ishwari.
Why? Because of its empathy.
We’ve all felt like outsiders at some point: different, hurt, or bullied. Wonder explores those feelings well. It tells the story of Auggie Pullman, a 10-year-old boy with a facial difference, attending a mainstream school for the first time. He faces minefield of stares, whispers, but also small victories, new friendships, and growth.
The book is told from six different perspectives: Auggie, his sister Via, her boyfriend Justin, her friend Miranda, and Auggie’s classmates Jack and Summer. The multiple voices bring depth and complexity to the story. What I loved most is how real the characters feel. They make mistakes, say the wrong things, and act selfishly. But they learn and grow, just like real people.
Wonder isn’t preachy or dramatic. It’s honest. It doesn’t pretend that kindness is always easy, but it shows why it’s worth it. If you’ve ever felt out of place, this book will resonate with you. Some scenes are tough to read. Not all kids are kind, and some adults are worse. But there’s also so much joy- Auggie’s humor, his family’s love, and the ripple effect of small acts of kindness.
What surprised me most was how much Via’s voice stayed with me. She’s lived in Auggie’s shadow, and while her parents focused on him, Via often felt invisible. Her honesty, her struggle to find her own space, really hit home. I didn’t expect to relate to her so much, but I did.
Wonder isn’t just a book for middle schoolers. It’s a book for anyone who’s ever needed to be reminded to be a little kinder than necessary. The writing is simple and accessible, which feels perfect given that most of it is from the perspective of a 10-year-old. At its core, Wonder reminds us that everyone has their own battles, even those who seem fine. It’s a simple story, but its message is timeless.
I’ll give it a ⭐ 8/10.
