Wonder (novel)

Hello there. I may look like just another book sitting on a shelf, but I promise I hold a secret between my covers. My pages are crisp and white, and they are filled with dark ink that spells out a very special story. The words inside me can make you smile, make you think about big ideas, and maybe even make a little tear roll down your cheek. Before I tell you my name, I want you to know that my story is about a boy who was incredibly brave, even when he was scared. He taught people that being different is what makes you wonderful. I am Wonder, a novel.

My story began with a kind woman named R.J. Palacio. She is my creator. One day, she and her son were at an ice cream shop, and they saw a little girl who looked very different. Her son got scared, and R.J. Palacio felt sad about how the situation was handled. That night, she couldn't stop thinking about it. She realized she wanted to write a story to help everyone understand that what's on the inside is so much more important than what's on the outside. So, she imagined a boy named August Pullman, who everyone calls Auggie. Auggie was born with a face that was not like most other kids'. She filled my pages with his journey of starting middle school for the first time, facing bullies, making true friends, and teaching his whole school about the power of kindness. On February 14th, 2012, I was finally finished and sent out into the world.

Once I was published, I started to travel everywhere. My cover was held by big hands and small hands, in quiet libraries, busy classrooms, and cozy bedrooms all over the world. Children and grown-ups read about Auggie’s first day of school and how nervous he was. They met his friends, like Jack and Summer, who learned to see past his face and love him for the funny, smart, and kind boy he was. As more and more people read my pages, a very important conversation started. People began talking about what it really means to be kind. A special idea began to spread like sunshine: 'Choose Kind.' Soon, children were making posters for their schools and wearing bracelets with those words, reminding everyone to be a little bit nicer to each other, every single day.

My story isn't just about Auggie; it's about everyone, including you. I am here to remind you that kindness is like a superpower that we all have inside of us. It doesn't cost anything, but it is one of the most valuable gifts you can share. Every time you choose to be a good friend to someone, listen when they need to talk, or offer a simple smile, you are keeping my message alive and making the world a brighter place. I hope that whenever you see me on a shelf, you remember that the very best stories are the ones that help us open our hearts to others.