Wonder

Warning Sensitive Topics

Story Summary: A story about a ten-year-old boy named August Pullman who has a facial abnormalities and is starting fifth grade, for his first time in a private school after being home schooled his entire life.

Wonder (Polacio, 2012), which chronicles the experiences of August "Auggie" Pullman, a young boy with facial differences attending a mainstream school for the first time, has garnered both acclaim and criticism within academic and literary circles. While the novel is lauded for promoting themes of empathy, kindness, and the acceptance of differences, it has also been the subject of controversy for several reasons that warrant a critical analysis.

The representation and narrative perspective in Wonder (Polacio, 2012) have been critiqued for predominantly reflecting the viewpoints of characters without facial differences, thereby marginalizing the authentic experiences of individuals with such conditions. This approach raises questions about the effectiveness of fostering genuine understanding and empathy through a predominantly external gaze. The issue aligns with ongoing discussions in literary criticism regarding the "own voices" movement, which emphasizes the authenticity and nuance brought to narratives by authors who share their characters' backgrounds or experiences.

The novel's portrayal of Auggie has been scrutinized for potentially contributing to "inspiration porn" – a term coined to describe the portrayal of individuals with disabilities as inherently inspirational due to their disabilities, rather than as fully realized individuals (Grue, 2016) . This critique suggests that "Wonder" might inadvertently prioritize the emotional responses of able-bodied individuals over the lived realities of those with disabilities, thus objectifying Auggie's experiences for the sake of moral lessons.

The simplification of complex issues surrounding disability, acceptance, and social integration is also point of contention. Critics argue that the novel's resolution, characterized by a relatively unproblematic acceptance of Auggie by his peers, may not fully encapsulate the multifaceted and persistent challenges faced by individuals with visible differences. This aspect of the narrative invites analysis from the perspective of disability studies, which advocates for a more nuanced exploration of the intersections between identity, societal norms, and the concept of "normalcy."

Wonder opens up avenues for academic inquiry into how children's literature can influence perceptions of normality, otherness, and inclusion within educational and social settings. The reception of the novel, both positive and negative, underscores the importance of critical engagement with texts that seek to represent marginalized experiences, highlighting the need for diverse voices and narratives that offer a more comprehensive and authentic portrayal of disability. While Wonder plays a significant role in promoting discussions around kindness and the acceptance of physical differences, its criticisms shed light on the complexities of representation in literature. These discussions contribute to the broader academic discourse on how narratives about disability and difference are constructed and the implications these narratives hold for societal attitudes towards inclusivity and diversity.

Alternative Book Choices

Reflections and Other Materials

• Reflection One