Dickens & Rumi
Cover of PLUTO

book

PLUTO

R. J. Palacio

A look at Auggie Pullman’s life before Beecher Prep; a "Wonder" e-book short story.

Ages 9+Source checked

Why this age? Accessible middle-grade fiction with emotionally serious themes about friendship, difference, family, and difficult experiences; content is generally gentle but may prompt discussion. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Show Wikipedia summary

Open to load a short Wikipedia summary.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age9+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes1/5

Strongest positives

  • Good role models4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Frightening scenes1/5
Why this rating?

Brief moments of childhood anxiety or feeling overwhelmed, but nothing scary.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on the quiet courage of maintaining friendships during difficult changes.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Encourages readers to think from another person's perspective.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Includes representation of a character with physical differences.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Provides insight into social-emotional development and the experience of disability.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Kindness and empathy are the core pillars of the narrative.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes of empathy, loyalty, and the importance of perspective in friendship.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Characters navigate realistic growing pains and work toward kindness.

Family discussion

Talk about it

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

  1. Which character was the best role model, and what did they do that you admired?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in PLUTO would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in PLUTO, 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 herePLUTO
WARRIORS: CHANGING SKIES #2: HIDDEN MOONErin HunterAges 10+WARRIORS: CHANGING SKIES #1: THE ELDERS' QUESTErin HunterAges 8+CLAUDIA AND THE NEW GIRLAnn M. MartinAges 8+The Violet Fairy Book (Large Print)Andrew Lang · 1901Ages 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