The Importance of Compassion and Acceptance in R.j. Palacio's Wonder

R.J. Palacio’s debut novel, Wonder, was published in 2012 while the author was working as a visual designer (Palacio, 2012). The book centers around the experiences of August Pullman, a young boy with a facial deformation that prevented him from attending a public school. However, his situation changes when he enters fifth grade at a mainstream school, and the novel explores the challenges he faces as a new student who looks extraordinary. To fully understand the novel, it is important to delve into its plot, characters, and primary purpose.

Wonder follows the journey of August Pullman throughout his first year at Beecher Prep. Due to his medical condition, August becomes a target of ridicule and bullying from his classmates. However, he finds support from two students, Jack Will and Summer, who become his friends over the course of the first semester. A conflict arises between August and Jack when Jack is overheard mocking August during Halloween. As the semester progresses, Julian, another student, bullies August more frequently, culminating in an incident during an overnight field trip outside of New York. Despite this, August's classmates become more accepting of him, and a regular boy rushes to his aid and protects him. The book concludes with August receiving an award for his notable achievements throughout the school year, and he expresses gratitude to his mother for encouraging him to go to school (Palacio, 2012, p. 210).

The protagonist of Wonder is August Pullman, a young boy with a facial deformation who is often subjected to mockery by his peers. August's older sister, Olivia, supports him but sometimes feels overlooked by their family. At school, August forms friendships with two fellow fifth graders, Jack Will and Summer. Jack Will is described as a "totally normal-looking kid with curly blond hair" (Palacio, 2012, p. 133), while Summer is depicted as someone who "looked like her name. She had a tan, and her eyes were green like a leaf" (Palacio, 2012, p. 45). Despite facing conflicts, August and his friends remain steadfast in their friendship throughout the school year. The main antagonist of the book is Julian, who bullies August relentlessly.

Wonder conveys a powerful message about the importance of compassion, understanding, and acceptance. The novel emphasizes the significance of embracing differences and not being afraid to stand out. Often, children may resort to bullying those they perceive as different because they do not understand them. Similar to the situation in the book, many people in real life struggle to accept differences due to their lack of understanding. Despite August's extraordinary appearance, he is a friendly, helpful, and fun person, which serves as a reason to empathize with him. The book reminds readers that it is the differences between individuals that make each person unique.

In conclusion, Wonder by R.J. Palacio tells the story of a boy with a facial deformity who faces bullying but ultimately finds friendship. The novel explores themes of compassion, friendship, and embracing one's differences. It is a thought-provoking and emotional book that effectively immerses readers in August Pullman's thoughts and feelings. It prompts readers to reflect on their own reactions when interacting with those who are perceived as different.

References

1. Palacio, R. J. (2012). Wonder. Knopf Books for Young Readers.