Auggie and Me: Three Wonder Stories by R.J. Palacio

Review

When I first read Wonder I cried through most of the book. The novel brought joy to my heart and tears to my eyes, all while showing how hard life can be. But once you finish Wonder, you realize the book isn’t about how hard life is, but it’s about how Wonderful it can be with the right people and influence in your life. But you only see the story through Auggie’s eyes, so when I heard they did the story through 3 others eyes, I went bought the book and cried over this one too!

This book is about the story of a wonderful boy with an extraordinary face. But this time it is told through 3 other perspectives. This book goes through Jullian’s version as the boy who bullied Auggie. It goes through Christoper’s version as the boy who was first friends with Auggie. And it goes through Charlotte’s version as a girl who knew Auggie, but didn’t know him. It shows how influence works in real life with real people in real situations. It’s about a boy who learns from a victim, it’s about a boy who learns from a friend and it’s about a girl who learns from a distance. And it is inspiring…

I have to tell you, I really enjoy books from the bullies point of view. (Weird right? But if you have read Restart by Gordon Korman you would get it!!!) The thing is, perspective is a very important detail in life. And this book really shows the true power of perspective! It shows why Jullian bullied Auggie. It shows why Christopher drifted away. And it shows why Charlotte didn’t get involved. It is STUNNING how this book shows 3 sides to an already diamond of a story! Kids 9 and up should read this!

Now there are some dark topics in the novel. Since one of the perspectives is about bullying, it shows the darker side of kids lives. Horrible notes making fun of someones face. Saying they should just die because their so ugly. Mean comments, cruel names and hurtful games show up in the novel. There is also a story about WW2 and how the Nazi’s stole loved ones and killed those who were different. It can be a bit hard to read about. However, the novel also shows how someone can change, and that is where the real inspiration is.

Overall, this book is a masterpiece of a sequel. Wonder was a beautifully written story about overcoming, but Auggie and Me is an inspirational story about your preservative when you meet someone extraordinary. I totally suggest this book to boys and girls 9 and up. It is clean, beautiful and tearful. It is a wonder. -The Young Llama Reader.