New York Times Bestseller
five years in a row (and counting!)
You can't blend in when you're
Born To Stand Out
Buy The Book
"I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, It's probably worse."
The Book
August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a severe facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school.
Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, Auggie wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past his extraordinary face. Wonder begins from Auggie's point of view, but soon switches to include the perspectives of his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These voices converge to portray a community as it struggles with differences, and challenges readers, both young and old, to wonder about the true nature of empathy, compassion, acceptance, friendship, and—ultimately—kindness. Auggie is a hero for the ages, one who proves that you can’t blend in when you were born to stand out.
Wonder has been a New York Times bestseller for over 5 years in a row (with over 140 weeks as #1). It's received numerous national and international awards, including being one of Time magazines 100 Best Young Adult Books of All Time (January, 2015), and USA Today's Top 100 bestsellers. The movie Wonder is scheduled to be released on November 17th, 2017.
Official Book Trailer
Praise for Wonder
"Full of heart, full of truth, Wonder is a book about seeing the beauty that's all around us. I dare you not to fall in love with Auggie Pullman."
"Few first novels pack more of a punch: it's a rare story with the power to open eyes—and hearts—to what it's like to be singled out for a difference you can't control, when all you want is to be just another face in the crowd."
—PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY, Starred Review (February 2012)
"What makes R.J. Palacio's debut novel so remarkable, and so lovely, is the uncommon generosity with which she tells Auggie's story…The result is a beautiful, funny and sometimes sob-making story of quiet transformation.”
—PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY (February, 2012)
“Few first novels pack more of a punch: it's a rare story with the power to open eyes--and hearts--to what it's like to be singled out for a difference you can't control, when all you want is to be just another face in the crowd.”
Booklist, Starred Review (February 2012)
"Rich and memorable... It's Auggie and the rest of the children who are the real heart of 'Wonder,' and Palacio captures the voices of girls and boys, fifth graders and teenagers, with equal skill."
—The New York Times (April 2012)
"Palacio has an exceptional knack for writing realistic conversation and describing the thoughts and emotions of the characters . . . A well-written, thought-provoking book."
—SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, STARRED REVIEW (June 2012)
"It's in the bigger themes that Palacio's writing shines. This book is a glorious exploration of the nature of friendship, tenacity, fear, and most importantly, kindness."
—The Huffington Post (March 2012)
"A memorable story of kindness, courage and wonder."
—KIRKUS REVIEWS, Starred Review (December 2011)
"Wonder is a rare gem of a novel--beautifully written and populated by characters who linger in your memory and heart."
—Amazon Best Books of the Month for Kids (February 2012)
"WONDER is the best kids' book of the year. . . My favorite thing about Wonder, though, is not that Auggie perseveres—it’s how unsparing the book is about the trouble he encounters along the way."
—Slate (Octobter 2012)
“Palacio has an uncanny grasp of the minds and hearts of 8- to 12-year-olds, and the people who used to be them.”
—The New York Times (September 2014)
"In a wonder of a debut, Palacio has written a crackling page-turner filled with characters you can't help but root for."
—Entertainment Weekly, The Top 10 Things We Love This Week (February 2012)
"The breakout publishing sensation of 2012 will come courtesy of Palacio [and] is destined to go the way of Mark Haddon's The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and then some."
—The London Times, The Top 100 People to Watch (2012)
"I think every mother and father would be better for having read it. Auggie's parents . . . are powerful examples not only of how to shelter and strengthen a child with heartbreaking facial anomalies, but also of how to be a loving advocate to any kid."
—The Huffington Post (January 2013)
"Ye gods, what a wonderful book! . . . this is probably the best such book I've read since Sherman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian...Palacio writes with just the right balance of humor and pathos, making each character both flawed and sympathetic. She "gets" kids -- how they think, how they talk, how they have the capacity to be both horribly mean and incredibly brave and kind."
—Rick Riordan, #1 New York Times bestselling author
"WONDER is essentially ... a wonder. It's well-written, engaging, and so much fun to read that the pages almost turn themselves. More than that, WONDER touches the heart in the most life-affirming, unexpected ways, delivering in August Pullman a character whom readers will remember forever. Do yourself a favor and read this book – your life will be better for it."
—Nicholas Sparks, #1 New York Times bestselling author:
"Full of heart, full of truth, Wonder is a book about seeing the beauty that's all around us. I dare you not to fall in love with Auggie Pullman."
—Rebecca Stead, Newbery award-winning author of When You Reach Me
"It is the deceptive simplicity and honesty of the work that make Wonder so memorable. Every single character seems real and well drawn and oh-so human...This book is beautiful."
—Christopher Paul Curtis, Newbery award-winning author of Bud, Not Buddy:
"A beautiful story of kindness and courage. There are many real and well-developed characters, and they each have their shining moments. Of course, Auggie shines the brightest."
—Clare Vanderpool, Newbery award-winning author of Moon Over Manifest
"Wonder is a beautifully told story about heartache, love, and the value of human life. One comes away from it wanting to be a better person."
—Patricia Reilly Giff, two-time Newbery honor-winning author
"Wonder is a shining jewel of a story that cannot help but encourage readers of all ages to do better, to be better, in how they treat others in life. I'm totally in love with this novel."
—Trudy Ludwig, anti-bullying advocate and author of My Secret Bully, Confessions of a Former Bully, Better Than You, and Just Kidding
"This really is a remarkable book."
—Tom Angelberger, author of The Srange Case of Origami Yoda
2012-2015
- WINNER 2015 - Arizona Grand Canyon Reader Award
- WINNER 2014-2015 - Arkansas Charlie May Simon Children’s Book Award
- WINNER 2015 - California CA Young Reader Medal
- WINNER 2014 - Colorado Council International Reading Association, Colorado Children's Book Award
- NOMINEE 2014 - Delaware Blue Hen Book Award
- NOMINEE 2013-2014 - Florida Sunshine State Young Readers Award
- NOMINEE 2013-2014 - Georgia Children’s Book Awards
- WINNER 2015 - Hawaii Nene Book Award
- WINNER 2014 - Illinois Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award
- WINNER 2014 - Illinois Bluestem Book Award (Grades 3–5)
- WINNER 2015 - Indiana Young Hoosier Book Award
- WINNER 2014 - Kentucky Bluegrass Awards
- WINNER 2014 - Louisiana Readers Choice
- WINNER 2014 - Maine Student Book Award
- WINNER 2012-2013 - Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Book Award
- WINNER 2014 - Michigan Great Lakes Great Books Award
- WINNER 2014-2015 - Missouri Mark Twain Award
- WINNER 2012-2013 - New Hampshire Great Stone Face Book Award
- WINNER 2014 - Nebraska Golden Sower Book Award
- WINNER 2014 - New Mexico Land of Enchantment
- WINNER 2014 - New York NYSRA Charlotte Award
- WINNER 2014 - North Carolina Children's Book Award Junior Category
- NOMINEE 2014 - North Dakota Flicker Tale Children’s Book Award
- WINNER 2014 - Ohio Buckeye Award
- WINNER 2014 - Rhode Island Children's Book Award
- WINNER 2014 - Tennessee Volunteer State Book Award
- SELECTED 2013 - Texas Bluebonnet Master list
- SELECTED 2013 - Texas Lone Star Reading List
- WINNER 2013-2014 - Utah Beehive Book Award
- WINNER 2013-2014 - Vermont Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award
- WINNER 2013-2014 - Virginia Readers Choice Award for Middle School
- NOMINEE 2014 - Washington (Pacific Northwest) Library Association Young Reader's Choice Award
- NOMINEE 2015 - Washington Evergreen Young Adult Book Award
- WINNER 2012 - National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) Gold Award
- SELECTED 2012 - ALA Notable Children's Book
- SELECTED - ALA YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers
- WINNER 2012 - Amazon Best of the Year
- WINNER 2012 - American Booksellers Association E.B. White Read-Aloud Middle Grade Book Award
- WINNER 2012 - Barnes & Noble Best Book of the Year
- SELECTED - A Booklist Book Links Lasting Connections
- WINNER 2013 - Christopher Award
- WINNER 2012 - Cybils Awards
- FINALIST 2012 - GoodReads Choice Award
- WINNER 2013 - Great Britain Independent Booksellers Week Book Award
- SHORTLISTED 2014 - Great Britain Hampshire Book Award
- WINNER 2012 - IRA Teachers' Choices
- WINNER 2012 - Kid's Indie Next List "Inspired Recommendations for Kids"
- WINNER 2012 - New Atlantic Indie Booksellers Assn (NAIBA) Book of the Year
- SELECTED - NCTE Notable Children's Trade Books in the Language Arts 2013
- BEST OF CHILDREN’S BOOKS 2012 - School Library Journal
- BEST OF CHILDREN’S BOOKS 2012 - Publisher’s Weekly
- BEST OF CHILDREN’S BOOKS 2012 - Kirkus Reviews
- 2012 BOOKS FOR YOUTH EDITOR'S CHOICE - Booklist
- BEST KIDS BOOK OF 2012 - Washington Post
- TOP 150 BESTSELLER - USA Today
- Top 10 Book of the Year - A Parents Magazine
- Top 10 Books of 2012 - Shelf Awareness
- Notable Book of 2012 - New York Times Book Review
- Outstanding Back seat Pick - NPR
- 10 Great Kids Books of 2012 - Entertainment Weekly
- Top 5 Kids Books of 2012 - Time Out Chicago Kid
Songs in Wonder
Wonder News
What Were The Most Popular Books In Andover In 2018?
By Dave Copeland
Patch, Jan 7, 2019
... These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community's struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance.
Marketing Middle Grade Books
Publisher's Weekly, Apr 16, 2018
We asked editors and marketing and publicity teams to share their insights on middle grade marketing trends and to spotlight some recent successful efforts in this area.
The 40 Children's Books That Belong in Every Family Library
By Sarah Horne and Gina Carey
Good Housekeeping, Apr 3, 2018
For all those facing bullying, or afraid of differences, this book by R.J. Palacio is a game-changer.
Read the Books Behind the Oscars
By Concepción De León
The New York Times, March 2, 2018
It is not unusual for books to inspire movies, and this year, more than a dozen of the films nominated for the Oscars, which will air on March 4, have literary roots. Here are three books with film adaptations up for an Academy Award.
2017 Children's Bestsellers: Thriving Backlists, Popular Tie-Ins, and More
By Emma Kantor
Publisher's Weekly, Feb 27, 2018
Last year’s overall top-selling book was R.J. Palacio’s 2012 novel Wonder, with more than one million hardcover copies sold; the book was adapted into a major motion picture in 2017.
My Top Ten Books I Booktalk Every Year By Julie Demicco
By Julie Demicco
Nerdy Book Club, Feb 10 2018
I have individual goals for my students, as each of them have very different needs, but I also have overarching goals for all of them. I want to lure them into being readers. I want them to fall in love with characters, get lost in a book, laugh out loud while reading, perhaps shed a tear or two, be able to name favorite authors and genres, see themselves in a book as well as learn about people very different from them. I want them to WANT to read for pleasure.
These Are The Saddest Books You'll Ever Read
By Lauren Le Vine
Refinery 29, January 31, 2018
Kids can be so mean. At the same time, though, kids can be so kind. You'll cry because Wonder's message is to be kind above all else; you'll cry because your heart is melting.
Random House Releases Wonder-Themed Products
By Alexandra Whyte
Kidscreen, January 25, 2018
Random House Children’s Books has released a raft of new products inspired by author R. J. Palacio’s bestselling book—and recent Julia Roberts-starting feature film—Wonder.
The branded items are part of the 2018 #ChooseKindness campaign to promote Palacio’s book, which has sold nine million copies to date.
Print Book Sales Rose 1.9% in 2017
By by John Biggs
TechCrunch, January 24, 2018
“Children’s books continued to thrive with a 3 percent boost in 2017, led by R.J. Palacio’s ‘Wonder’ and Jeff Kinney’s ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid #12: The Getaway.'” the NPD wrote.
NPD BookScan Recaps the Year in Books 2017
PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y., January 22, 2018
Children’s books continued to thrive with a 3 percent boost in 2017, led by R.J. Palacio’s “Wonder” and Jeff Kinney’s “Diary of a Wimpy Kid #12: The Getaway”.
15 Books That Will Teach Your Kids About Empathy
By SARA AHMED
Popsugar, Jan 19, 2017
Teaching children to grow up to become empathetic adults is probably one of the more important responsibilities of being a parent. And it's even more vital now than ever before due to the unfiltered exposure kids have to things like hate speech, intolerance, and bigotry. Children are like sponges, and in order for them to learn how to become compassionate and understanding human beings, it's essential to nurture their sense of kindness.
10 books you absolutely have to read in 2018
Wonder is a funny, frank, astonishingly moving debut to read in one sitting, pass on to others, and remember long after the final page.
Backlist Books Win in 2017
By John Maher
Publishers Weekly, Jan 8, 2018
In a nonelection year that saw politics leap even more to the forefront of public discourse than the year prior, 2017’s biggest books were, for the most part, nonpolitical. It was a year heavy on backlist bestsellers, with the #1 print bestseller slots at both NPD BookScan and Amazon, as well as in Amazon’s Kindle e-books rankings, going to backlist titles.
In print, R.J. Palacio’s 2012 middle-grade novel Wonder topped both BookScan’s and Amazon’s lists, buoyed by the film adaptation released last November.
Books nerd the most sold of 2017: here is the ranking Amazon
A protagonist, an unlucky but strong, a wonderful family, true friends help you Augustus during the school year that will end in a way triumphant for him. The story of a child who finds his role in the world
These 18 books Make Last-Minute (and Thoughtful) Shopping a Breeze
By Locke Hughes
Today, Dec 18, 2017
In a world full of screens, a book remains one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give. It shows you care about the recipient's unique interests, whether he or she is into "Game of Thrones"-style fantasies, captivating biographies of famous figures or a good old-fashioned romance.
17 Delightful Children's Books Even Childless People Will Love
By Chelsey Pippin
Buzzfeed, Dec 17, 2017
Palacio brings her novel Wonder to a younger audience with this heartwarming picture book about the desire to belong and accepting difference.
Jacob Tremblay Shares His No. 1 Tip For Kids Who Have Been Bullied
By Alessia Santoro
Popsugar December 3, 2017
Eleven-year-old Jacob Tremblay is a literal onscreen wonder in the film version of R.J. Palacio's New York Times bestseller, Wonder, but as it turns out, he's pretty spectacular off screen as well. In a recent interview with Jacob, the young actor told POPSUGAR how he got into his role as Auggie Pullman, a boy with facial differences who starts going to mainstream school in fifth grade after being homeschooled, why he's so excited to spread the film's message to "Choose Kind," and his best tip for dealing with bullies.
13 Addictive Books With A Cult Following On Amazon
By Lindsay E. Mack
Romper, December 4, 2017
Born with a distinct facial deformity, the character August Pullman wants to be treated like any other kid. But as he and his community learn, some people were born to stand out. This charming kid's book has inspired a 4.9 average review on Amazon, with over 11,000 people voicing their love for the story.
The 19 Goodreads Choice Awards Winners For 2017 Are Here & 15 Of The Winning Books Are Written By Women
Bustle, December 5, 2017
I look forward to the annual Goodreads Choice Awards every year. As an avid reader and member of the wider bookish community, it's fascinating to see what books across 19 different genres made the biggest impact on readers in a year. And when it comes to the Goodreads Choice Awards 2017 winners, it is gratifying to see just how many of those impactful books have been written by women—a whopping 15, in fact.
The 19 Goodreads Choice Awards Winners For 2017 Are…
Medium, December 5, 2017
Picture books -
We’re All Wonders by R.J. Palacio
Winner 24,470 votes
20 Books Everyone Should Read In Their 40s
By Talia Lakritz
Insider, November 20, 2017, 2:36 PM
These books are worth reading at any age — especially middle age.
-Great memoirs for middle age include "Eat Pray Love," "Wild," and "The Rainbow Comes and Goes.
-"Books like "In Our Prime," "Shameless," and "Life -Reimagined" show that there are plenty of adventures to be had in your 40s.
-Novels like "The Kite Runner," "The Time Traveler's Wife," and "Wonder" are meaningful at any age.
The Top 10 Books on Apple's iBooks-US
By Associated Press
Billings Gazette, Nov 28, 2017
iBook charts for week ending November 26, 2017 (Rank, Book Title by Author Name, ISBN, Publisher)
'Wonder' is real life for these two families
By Jacqueline Howard
CNN, Nov 19, 2017
Although Auggie's face and everyday experiences are imaginary, the lives of the some 600,000 individuals who have been diagnosed with a craniofacial condition in the United States are very much real -- and 7-year-old Shane Vysocky and 13-year-old Emily Merrill are among them.
Domtar Donates Books to Martha Rawls Smith Elementary Students
By WSAV Staff
WSAV, November 7, 2017, 1:02 pm
JESUP, Ga. (WSAV) – Fifth graders at Martha Rawls Smith Elementary School received a special gift today.
All 80 students were given a copy of the novel “Wonder,” by R.J. Palacio as a part of Domtar Corporation’s Powerful Pages campaign with First Book.
R.J. Palacio, Jenifer Lewis and More
By Jill Adams
People TV, Nov 07, 2017
Wonder author R.J. Palacio, The Revolution of Marina M author Janet Fitch, and Blackish star Jenifer Lewis are some of the guests who stop by on this all-female edition of Shelf Life.
11 Quotes From 'Wonder' By R.J. Palacio To Remind You Why This Is Such A Beloved Childhood Story
By Kerri Jarema
Bustle, Nov 06, 2017
If you haven't yet read Wonder (and seriously, what have you been doing?!) check out the 11 beautiful quotes from the book below. You'll definitely want to pick it up, and check out the film, when you're done.
Fall Reading List: 43 Books to Read Before They're Movies
By Shannon Vestal Robson
PopSugar, October 24, 2017
Of the many movies coming out this Fall, lots of them are based on books, proving once again that Hollywood's best material comes from the page. There are always a ton of great books in the process of being adapted, so for the new season upon us, we have a brand-new reading list with titles that are becoming movies very soon or which were recently optioned or in the development stage. Either way, get your page-turning fingers ready!
Wall Street Journal Best-Selling Books Week
Oct 22, 2017
Wonder ranks #6 in the Wall Street Journal's Best-Selling Books Week.
Spotlighting Themes of Diversity at PNBA
By Jenn Director Knudsen
Publishers Weekly, Oct 17, 2017
Diversity was a watchword at the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association fall trade show, held October 8–10 at Portland’s Red Lion Hotel on the River.
19 Young Adult Books Everyone Should Read, No Matter Their Age
By Ellie Bate, Buzzfeed, September 26, 2017
We recently asked members of the BuzzFeed Community to tell us which young adult novels they'd recommend to anyone, regardless of their age. Here's what they said...
Wonder Is the Best Kids’ Book of the Year
By Emily Bazelon
Slate.com, October, 2012
We talk to its author about bullying, parenting, and empathy. "The book that has moved me most in the past year is Wonder by R.J. Palacio. It's the fictional story of August Pullman, a 10-year-old with a very different-looking face—the result of a...
Interview with RJ Palacio, Author of Wonder
By Heather Hodson
The Telegraph, February, 2012
A new children's novel about a boy with a shocking facial disfigurement is tipped to be a word-of-mouth hit, and will reduce adult readers to tears.
See Grown-Ups Read
By Alexandra Alter
Wall Street Journal, December 2013
R.J. Palacio's best-selling novel Wonder was born in a moment of panic. She was getting milkshakes with her two sons in Brooklyn when she saw a little girl with a severe facial deformity...
RJ Palacio on the Power of Kindness
By Michelle Pauli
The Guardian Children's Books Podcast, September 2014
RJ Palacio reads from Wonder, and talks to Michelle Pauli about writing about a boy that has to face a world every day that can't face him back...
Words to Live By
By Maria Russo
The New York Times, September 2014
After R. J. Palacio’s Wonder was published in 2012 and became a middle-grades juggernaut, many hoped the author would continue the story of August Pullman, the Manhattan boy born with serious facial deformities, and his friends and family.
Wonder
By Bodley Head
Doggobooks, Mar 1, 2012
"Wonder" is a book you'll read in one sitting, pass on to others, and remember long after the final page.
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