"Wonder" by R.J. Palacio is an absolute gem that deserves every one of its five stars.

Sometimes the books with the most touching stories are meant for the youngest of readers. This heartwarming and beautifully written novel takes you on an emotional journey that leaves a lasting impact. While I think that would have enjoyed this book as a child, I don’t think that I would have gotten the “bigger picture” then, but as an adult I certainly did.

The characters are incredibly well-crafted, each with their own unique voice and perspective, making them feel like real people you genuinely care about. Palacio's storytelling is masterful, effortlessly tugging at your heartstrings while addressing important themes of kindness, acceptance, and empathy. 

Auggie Pullman is overall such a lovable character, I just want to hug him and squeeze him and tell him that people suck but it does get better if you just keep going. I love reading the book from other characters points of views, seeing how everyone deals with difficult situations differently. We all cope and process information differently. 

I also really appreciated seeing the other students at school go from disliking Auggie or viewing him as ‘gross’ or ‘different’ to being his best and greatest friends. Ugh! True friends like that are such a blessing!!!

The book's message is powerful and resonates deeply, making it a must-read for readers of all ages. "Wonder" is a shining example of the magic that literature can create, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone seeking a story that will both move and inspire them.