Friday, January 15, 2016

Auggie and Me- Three Wonder Stories


I read Wonder back in 2012 and loved it (read my review).  In it we learn about what 5th grade at Beecher Prep is like for August Pullman, a boy who has undergone countless surgeries due to his birth defects. I have reread it twice, and it has touched me each time. Auggie's voice captivated me, and it was fascinating reading what his year was like for a few other important characters.


I was excited to see Auggie and Me: Three Wonder Stories by R.J. Palacio I knew I had to read it and find out what was going on with some of the other characters I hadn't heard from yet. In Wonder we see his classmates through Auggie's eyes, and now we get to hear from the bully, Julian, his old best friend, Christopher, and Charlotte, who he met when he toured the school. Each story fills in gaps and shows us that there really are two sides to every story. We start with Julian, and it's no surprise that we get some insight behind his mean treatment of Auggie. We also get to see shortly past the end of their 5th grade year. Christopher has know Auggie since birth, and we find out what it was like being friends with someone who needed to have so many surgeries and how their friendship changed over the years.  Lastly, Charlotte sheds light on other drama and social occurrences that were happening throughout the year that we didn't know about from Auggie.

Auggie and Me is perfect for readers who enjoyed Wonder and wanted more. It's an interesting addition to Auggie's story because we don't learn much more about his life after 5th grade, except for the summer months, which Julian tells us about. Instead we learn that there is often more going on than what we see on the surface. In any situation we may think we have all the facts, but someone else may show us information that makes us think differently. I can't say reading this book made me think Julian is an awesome boy, because I still think he's mean. I do understand him better, and I do have hope that he will be different in the future. There is something very special about diving back into a favorite story, and I recommend this journey for anyone who wants to have a little more time with Auggie and friends. This is an excellent book for kids and adults who want to see what a story is like from another point of view. I would recommend this book to readers in third grade and up.  You will finish the book feeling like you have more pieces of the puzzle. Definitely read Wonder first if you haven't already!

Back when we reviewed Wonder we were lucky enough to interview R.J. Palacio. To find out more about the story behind the story check out what she had to say.

Has anyone else read Wonder or Auggie and Me? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!
~L

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48 comments:

  1. Hadn't read either but both sound good; I think my 10 year old grand niece might enjoy them too.

    betty

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    1. Betty- She will LOVE them and I think you will too! :) ~L

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  2. I think it incredible that such issues are to be found in book for such young readers. These sound fantastic.

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    1. Tracy- Wonder is one of my favorite books of all time. Great for people of all ages. :) ~L

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  3. I did love Wonder. I will have to get the other books. Soon. Thanks for the review.

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    1. Rosi- If you enjoyed Wonder, you will love the companion books. :) ~L

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  4. A new perspective is always enriching. I love that MG readers are being introduced to the concept.

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  5. I haven't read either book, but Wonder's cover has caught my eye on several occasions. Thanks for the review!

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    1. Cherie- The cover definitely stands out and after reading it you will really appreciate the cover. :) ~L

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  6. I haven't read Wonder but it was used as an example during a workshop I attended and the story sounded really fascinating. It's on my must-read list but I never seem to have enough time!

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    1. Stephanie- Wonder is a book you have to make time for- you won't regret it. It is an amazing story! Enjoy! :) ~L

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  7. I haven't read either one, but they sound good!

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  8. I really enjoyed Wonder. My son did too. I'll work on getting him this book too!

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  9. I really enjoyed Wonder. My son did too. I'll work on getting him this book too!

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    1. Emily- If you and your son loved Wonder then I know you will fall right into these companion books. :) ~L

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  10. A nice reminder to me to read 'Wonder' Thanks for the review. I'm reading Scar Boy (YA), which similarly, is about a boy who is scarred after being struck by lightning...and the aftermath. It's quite good.

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    1. Sharon- I have not read Scar Boy- but it sounds very interesting. I am definitely curious about it. I think you will love Wonder. :) ~L

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  11. Wonder is a must read for everyone, certainly anyone with an interest in children's literature. Without a doubt it struck a chord with the target demographic like nothing since Harry Potter. I, too, am curious about the extra chapters - especially Julian's - though I haven't read them yet.

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    1. The Armchair Squid- I agree with you that Wonder is a must read. I know you will love the three companion books, as they do give us a bit more of the story. :) ~L

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  12. I haven't read those but they sound interesting.

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  13. This one looks interesting. I'm going to add it to my TBR pile.

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  14. I've heard nothing but praise for WONDER, and it'a terrific there's a sequel now. It's so true about there being two sides to every story. I think some adults could use that lesson. Wishing RJ much success!

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    1. Lexa- You are right- the lesson in these books is good for kids, and adults definitely need the reminder! :) ~L

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  15. I haven't heard of it before, but it is always lovely to see books for kids with such characters, who have real medical problems or are disabled instead of some killers and assassins.

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    1. Dezmond- Wonder and the companion books are excellent for kids and adults. They touch on a very important theme and if you get a chance to read these I promise that you won't be disappointed. :) ~L

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  16. I haven't read either of these stories, but am thinking I should. It's always fun to learn more about characters in following books. Thanks for the tip.

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    1. Beverly- You will absolutely love these! Enjoy! :) ~L

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  17. This sounds extremely sensitive and well written. Kudos to the author.

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    1. Sandra- RJ Palacio did an amazing job. :) ~L

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  18. I have never read either of them but they sound like books that Valentina should ... there are far too many bullies in this world ... I am sure there is more to why they do it but I'm still against it...♡

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    1. Launna- You and Valentina would both love these books. They make you want to go out and be as nice as you can to everyone. :) ~L

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  19. Sounds like another wonderful read for sure.

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  20. I loved WONDER and also enjoyed the audio version. I haven't read AUGGIE AND ME, but now I'm looking forward to it after reading your review. Thanks for the reminder!

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    1. Marcia- I am definitely curious about the audio version, as I enjoy a good audio book. Enjoy Auggie and Me! :) ~L

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  21. I am sure I have seen the previous one at the library :)

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  22. Heidi- The companion books fly by and do add to the story! :) ~L

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  23. Wonder has been on my TBR and I haven't been able to get to it yet because of other things and books getting in the way. But I honestly cannot wait to finally read that gem of a book! Also, I am glad these short stories were good as well :3

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    1. I can't wait to hear your thoughts on Wonder, Olivia! :) ~L

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  24. I haven't got to WONDER yet. Will read that first. (I really must read faster!)

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    1. Claudine- You will love Wonder and adore Auggie! :) ~L

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