Dickens & Rumi
Cover of WONDER

book

WONDER

R.J. Palacio

A boy with a facial deformity starts school. (Ages 8 to 12)

Ages 9+Source checked

Why this age? Accessible middle-grade prose addresses bullying, exclusion, grief, and facial difference with emotional depth but little graphic content. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age9+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character2/5
  • Frightening scenes2/5
  • Strong language2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience5/5
  • Kindness & empathy5/5
  • Positive messages5/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

The death of a beloved family dog brings sadness and grief; death is handled gently rather than graphically.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Bullying includes name-calling and hurtful insults, with generally mild language rather than frequent profanity.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Not a central theme.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

There are minor crushes and early romantic feelings, but romance is not central.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Social rejection, bullying, and some tense situations may be upsetting, but there is little frightening imagery or suspense.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Bullying includes insults, threats, social cruelty, and a brief physical confrontation; violence is limited and consequences are discussed.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience5/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist demonstrates significant personal courage in daily life.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

School activities, imagination, humor, and changing viewpoints encourage reflection, but inventive problem-solving is not the main focus.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

The novel centers a child with a significant facial difference and includes varied perspectives on disability, friendship, family, and belonging.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Valuable for social-emotional learning and discussions on inclusivity.

Kindness & empathy5/5
Why this rating?

Kindness is the core premise and resolution of the book.

Positive messages5/5
Why this rating?

Strong central message about kindness, empathy, and acceptance.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Auggie, supportive family members, and caring educators model resilience, empathy, advocacy, and growth, alongside believable mistakes.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in WONDER would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in WONDER, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to get it

Find in a libraryBuy on Bookshop.orgBuy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate and Bookshop.org affiliate, Dickens & Rumi may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

If you liked this

Try something nearby

Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

You’re hereWONDER
THE KEEPERDavid BaldacciAges 12+THE FINISHERDavid BaldacciAges 10+Drowned Ammet (Dalemark Quartet, Book 2)Diana Wynne Jones · 1977Ages 12+Cart and Cwidder (The Dalemark Quartet)Diana Wynne Jones · 1975Ages 12+

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating