Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories

Book review by Darienne Stewart, Common Sense Media
Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 10+

Thought-provoking stories of kindness and friendship.

R.J. Palacio Short Stories 2015
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Parents say

age 10+

Based on 5 reviews

Kids say

age 9+

Based on 15 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

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What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories is a collection of short tales spun off from R.J. Palacio's bestselling Wonder. Auggie, a student with severe facial deformities who anchored Wonder, appears briefly but is not the focus of this companion book. Each story is told from a different perspective: a bully, an old friend, and a new classmate. Characters who seem at times unkind are treated with empathy: Their cruelty isn't excused, but the stories help explain some of the reasons people behave in ways they know are unkind.

Community Reviews

christineaustin100
christineaustin100 Adult
July 1, 2022
age 11+

Just so you know I am 14 just using my moms account.

An excellent sequel (is it technically a sequel? It happens at the same time as Wonder) to an excellent book! If you love wonder you will love this. There is, however, a car crash (everyone is fine). There is also a scary Holocaust part in Julian’s story that is graphic I recommend skipping if your kid is ten/eleven or younger. Despite the scary stuff, this book is so good! Even though some of Julian’s part is kind of scary it is also heartwarming because (spoiler alert!) he feels remorse for what he’s done and apologizes to Auggie :) makes me cry every time. If you loved Wonder you will love this just remember it is more mature and graphic.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
CarmelG
CarmelG Adult
January 3, 2021
age 11+

Amazing follow up to Wonder, but scary Holocaust scenes

Fantastic book that expands upon characters in Wonder, however I was taken by surprise by the detailed description of a young Jewish girl surviving the Holocaust and others not being as lucky. I am Jewish and plan to educate my daughter on the horrors of the Holocaust when it’s age appropriate. Unfortunately we had to fast forward through the vignette about the Holocaust because it would have been terrifying for my 8 year old. I look forward to revisiting this book when she is 11.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
See all 5 parent reviews

What's the Story?

AUGGIE & ME opens with Julian, who sheds light on why he targeted Auggie and how it affected his relationship with students and adults and Beecher Prep. After leaving school, he spends the summer in Paris with his grandmother, who shares a story that has a profound effect on Julian. The second story follows an extraordinary day in the life of Christopher, who is Auggie's oldest friend but has grown distant from him. And the final story centers on Charlotte, one of Auggie's assigned "welcome buddies" and her doubts and successes as she tries to find friendship amid the shifting terrain of middle school relationships.

Is It Any Good?

This collection of three stories is a thought-provoking read that may well encourage readers to see classmates, friends, and family in a new light. More of a spin-off than a sequel to the much-acclaimed Wonder, it digs deep into themes of kindness, friendship, accountability, and integrity with a deft understanding of middle school social drama. Auggie & Me follows three students in vastly different circumstances learning important lessons about relationships: Julian confronts his own cruelty and his enabler parents, Christopher acknowledges his selfishness and the work needed to stay close to important friends and family, and Charlotte expands her circle to embrace new friends.

Author R.J. Palacio has a gift for understanding the pressures of middle school. As in Wonder, some characters and situation seem a little too shiny and happy to be true. But they're presented with such sincerity and faith in the basic goodness of people, it's hard to take issue with it.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how these stories intersect with Wonder. Do you like the way author R.J. Palacio expanded the storytelling here, or would you have preferred closer ties to the original novel or a more central role for Auggie?

  • Julian is a bully in Wonder. Does hearing more from his perspective change your view of him?

  • If you've read Wonder, pick another character you'd like to hear from and try writing fan fiction from that character's point of view.

Book Details

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