Why 'Wonder' Will Make You a Kinder Kid

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- Every Kid Should Read

- Some books stay in your heart forever - and Wonder by R.J. Palacio is one of them.It's the inspiring, moving, and often funny story of a boy who looks different but teaches the world to be kinder.In this article, we'll discover what makes Wonder such a special read for kids and adults alike.

W onder tells the story of August "Auggie" Pullman, a 10-year-old boy who was born with a rare facial difference called Treacher Collins syndrome. Because of many surgeries and how he looks, Auggie has always been homeschooled. But now, he's about to go to a real school for the very first time - Beecher Prep.

The book follows Auggie's experiences as he tries to fit in and be seen for more than just his face. He meets classmates who are kind, some who are mean, and a few who don't know what to think. Through it all, we see the world not only from Auggie's eyes but also from the perspectives of his sister Via, her friends, and other kids in school.

The main message?

You don't have to be "normal" to be amazing. Everyone has their own challenges - and everyone deserves kindness and friendship.

Why This Book 

Is Important

Wonder is more than a story. It's a movement.

When R.J. Palacio wrote it, she wanted people - especially kids - to learn empathy, compassion, and kindness. The book encourages us to look past appearances and try to understand what someone else might be going through inside.

That's why it inspired the "Choose Kind" campaign - a real-life kindness movement followed by schools around the world. It's helped kids learn to treat others better, just like Auggie teaches his classmates.

In 2017, a Hollywood movie titled Wonder was released based on the book.

Jacob Tremblay played Auggie, Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson played his parents. The film was a big success and loved by families all over the world.

The movie stays true to the heart of the book and helps even more people understand the importance of kindness.

There's also a spin-off book called Auggie & Me, and a new graphic novel version of Wonder, which is perfect for kids who love comics!

 What Kids Should Learn from Wonder

1. Kindness counts. Always.

One small act of kindness can make someone's day. Or change their life.

2. Everyone has a story.

You never know what someone is going through - so be gentle and respectful.

3. True beauty is how you treat others.

Auggie might look different, but his heart is pure gold. That's what matters most.

4. It's okay to be different.

Being unique is what makes you special. Never hide who you are.

5. Stand up for what's right.

Like Auggie's friends, sometimes you have to speak up - even when it's hard.

Final Words

Wonder teaches us one of life's most important lessons in the simplest way possible:

Be kind, always.

Whether you're young or old, loud or shy, popular or not - this book reminds you that everyone deserves to be seen and loved. So if you haven't read it yet, go grab a copy. Auggie is waiting to be your friend.

And remember:

"You were born to stand 

out."  

About the Author

The author of Wonder is R.J. Palacio (real name: Raquel Jaramillo).

Before writing books, she worked as a graphic designer and book cover artist. She got the idea for Wonder after a real-life encounter with a girl who had a facial difference. She felt bad for how she reacted - and it inspired her to write a story that would help the world be a bit kinder.

Even though her name is often linked with the book, Wonder is her first novel - and what a debut it was!

Just to clarify - Wonder is not written by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer. They wrote The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, another inspiring book - but a completely different story.

Best Quotes from the Book

Here are a few unforgettable lines from Wonder that will stay with you:

 "When given the choice between being right and being kind, choose kind."

  "You can't blend in when you were born to stand out."

   "It's not enough to be friendly. You have to be a friend."

 "The best way to measure how much you've grown isn't by inches or the number of laps you can now run, but by the size of your heart."