In this video, I’ll summarize the plot of Wonder in about four minutes and give you an analysis of the story.
1. August’s Transition
August “Auggie” Pullman is a 10-year-old boy born with a severe facial difference due to Treacher Collins syndrome. He has undergone multiple surgeries and has been homeschooled by his mother, but his parents decide it’s time for him to start attending school. Auggie is nervous about fitting in at Beecher Prep, especially since he knows people will stare at him. Before school starts, he meets three students—Jack Will, Julian, and Charlotte—who are chosen by the principal to help him adjust. While Jack is friendly, Julian is rude and makes it clear he sees Auggie as different.
2. Struggles and Friendships
As Auggie begins school, he experiences both kindness and cruelty. Most students avoid him, and Julian leads a group that bullies him. However, he develops a close friendship with Jack Will and a girl named Summer, who befriends him despite peer pressure. Auggie starts feeling more comfortable, but his confidence is shattered when he overhears Jack saying negative things about him to fit in with the popular kids. Feeling betrayed, Auggie distances himself from Jack.
3. Jack’s Realization
Jack soon realizes his mistake and genuinely regrets hurting Auggie. When Julian pressures him to stay away from Auggie, Jack refuses and stands up for him. This causes Julian to turn against Jack as well. Meanwhile, Auggie’s older sister, Via, struggles with her own problems—she feels overshadowed by Auggie’s needs and starts high school feeling invisible. However, she finds comfort in a school play, where she forms new friendships and gains confidence.
4. The School Retreat
The turning point in Auggie’s school year comes during a nature retreat. While on a trip, he and Jack are confronted by older students from another school who bully Auggie. Surprisingly, some of Julian’s former friends, including Amos and Henry, defend him, showing that attitudes toward Auggie are beginning to change. This event solidifies Auggie’s place at Beecher Prep, and more students start treating him with kindness. Julian, however, continues his bullying and is eventually confronted by the principal, leading to his parents withdrawing him from the school.
5. Graduation and Acceptance
By the end of the school year, Auggie has gained confidence and acceptance among his classmates. At the graduation ceremony, he is awarded the Henry Ward Beecher Medal for his strength, kindness, and perseverance. The novel closes on a hopeful note, with Auggie realizing that, despite the challenges, he has found true friendship and belonging. His journey proves that being different does not mean being less worthy of love and respect.
Theme 1: Kindness and Empathy
A major theme in Wonder is the power of kindness and empathy. Auggie’s experiences highlight how small acts of kindness can make a difference, from Summer sitting with him at lunch to Jack standing up for him. The novel shows how prejudice can be overcome when people take the time to understand and accept others. Julian’s bullying stems from a lack of empathy, while characters like Jack and Summer grow by learning to see beyond appearances.
Theme 2: Acceptance
The novel also explores acceptance—not just of others, but of oneself. Auggie learns to embrace his uniqueness and gain confidence despite the challenges he faces. Similarly, Via, Jack, and other characters go through personal growth, learning to stand up for what is right. The story ultimately teaches that true acceptance is not about ignoring differences but about valuing people for who they are.