Auggie's New Beginning

August "Auggie" Pullman, a ten-year-old boy with a facial deformity, is about to attend Beecher Prep for the first time. His parents have decided it's time for him to experience a mainstream school environment after years of homeschooling due to numerous surgeries. Auggie is both excited and terrified about the prospect of making new friends and fitting in. His family, including his protective older sister Via, supports him, but they all know the challenges he will face. As Auggie navigates the new world of school, he hopes to be seen as just another kid.

Schoolyard Struggles

At Beecher Prep, Auggie encounters the harsh realities of being different. Some students, like Julian, are openly cruel, while others, like Jack Will, initially seem friendly but struggle with peer pressure. Auggie's unique appearance draws unwanted attention, and he becomes the subject of a cruel game called "The Plague," where touching him is avoided at all costs. Despite these challenges, Auggie finds solace in a few kind classmates, like Summer, who choose to see beyond his appearance.

Friendship's Fragile Bonds

Auggie's friendship with Jack Will is put to the test when he overhears Jack making hurtful comments about him to fit in with the popular crowd. Feeling betrayed, Auggie distances himself from Jack, who is unaware of what he did wrong. Meanwhile, Via, Auggie's sister, navigates her own social challenges in high school, feeling overshadowed by her brother's needs. The strain on friendships and family relationships highlights the complexities of loyalty and understanding.

Halloween Heartbreak

Halloween, usually Auggie's favorite holiday because he can wear a mask and blend in, turns sour when he overhears Jack's betrayal. Disguised in a different costume than planned, Auggie hears Jack say he would kill himself if he looked like Auggie. This revelation shatters Auggie's trust and leaves him feeling more isolated than ever. The incident marks a turning point in Auggie's school experience, as he grapples with the pain of betrayal and the challenge of forgiveness.

Family Dynamics

Via, Auggie's sister, deals with her own issues as she starts high school. She feels neglected by her parents, who are often preoccupied with Auggie's needs. Via's friendship with Miranda, who has drifted away, adds to her sense of loneliness. Despite these challenges, Via remains fiercely protective of Auggie. The family's dynamics are further tested when their beloved dog, Daisy, passes away, bringing them closer together in their shared grief and love for each other.

The Power of Kindness

As the school year progresses, Auggie's classmates begin to see him for who he truly is. A pivotal moment occurs during a school trip when Auggie and Jack are bullied by older students. Amos, a classmate, stands up for Auggie, and the incident leads to a shift in the school's social dynamics. Auggie's bravery and kindness inspire others, and he starts to gain acceptance and respect from his peers. The power of kindness and courage becomes a central theme as Auggie's story unfolds.

Auggie's Triumph

At the end of the school year, Auggie is awarded the Henry Ward Beecher medal for courage and kindness. The entire school gives him a standing ovation, recognizing his strength and resilience. This moment marks a significant triumph for Auggie, who has overcome immense challenges to find his place in the world. His journey highlights the importance of empathy, friendship, and the impact of choosing kindness. Auggie's story leaves a lasting impression on everyone, reminding them of the beauty in diversity and the power of the human spirit.

Characters

August "Auggie" Pullman

Auggie is a ten-year-old boy with a facial deformity who faces the challenges of attending a mainstream school for the first time. Despite his fears, he shows incredible bravery and resilience, navigating bullying and isolation with grace. Auggie's journey is one of self-discovery and acceptance, as he learns to embrace his uniqueness and inspire those around him with his kindness and courage.

Via Pullman

Via is Auggie's older sister, who struggles with feeling overshadowed by her brother's needs. She is fiercely protective of Auggie and loves him deeply, but she also yearns for her own identity and independence. Via's journey highlights the complexities of sibling relationships and the challenges of balancing family responsibilities with personal growth.

Jack Will

Jack is one of Auggie's first friends at Beecher Prep, but their friendship is tested when Jack succumbs to peer pressure and makes hurtful comments about Auggie. Despite this betrayal, Jack ultimately proves his loyalty by standing up for Auggie during a bullying incident. Jack's character development underscores the importance of empathy and the courage to do what is right.

Summer Dawson

Summer is one of the first students to befriend Auggie, choosing to sit with him at lunch despite the social risks. Her kindness and genuine nature make her a steadfast friend to Auggie, and she plays a crucial role in helping him feel accepted. Summer's character embodies the power of kindness and the impact of small acts of friendship.

Julian Albans

Julian is a popular student at Beecher Prep who bullies Auggie because of his appearance. His actions are driven by insecurity and a desire to maintain his social status. Julian's character serves as a foil to Auggie, highlighting the consequences of cruelty and the importance of empathy and understanding.

Miranda Navas

Miranda is Via's former best friend who drifts away after reinventing herself in high school. Despite the distance, she still cares for Auggie and Via, and her actions ultimately help bring the family closer together. Miranda's character explores themes of identity and the complexities of friendship.

Mr. Tushman

Mr. Tushman is the principal of Beecher Prep, who plays a key role in supporting Auggie's transition to school. He is compassionate and understanding, advocating for kindness and acceptance among the students. Mr. Tushman's character represents the positive impact of leadership and the importance of creating an inclusive environment.

Plot Devices

Multiple Perspectives

The story is told from multiple perspectives, including Auggie, Via, Jack, Summer, and Miranda. This narrative structure allows readers to see the events from different viewpoints, enhancing empathy and understanding of each character's struggles and motivations. It highlights the interconnectedness of their experiences and the impact of Auggie's journey on those around him.

Precepts

Mr. Browne's precepts serve as guiding principles for the characters throughout the story. These precepts, such as "Choose kind," encourage the students to reflect on their actions and the importance of kindness and empathy. They play a significant role in the characters' development and the overall message of the story.

Analysis

"Wonder" by R.J. Palacio is a poignant exploration of the themes of kindness, acceptance, and the power of empathy. Through Auggie's journey, the story challenges readers to look beyond appearances and embrace diversity. It highlights the impact of small acts of kindness and the importance of standing up for what is right. The novel's multiple perspectives provide a nuanced understanding of the characters' experiences, fostering empathy and compassion. "Wonder" serves as a reminder of the beauty in our differences and the strength of the human spirit, leaving readers with a lasting message of hope and inspiration.