Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Wonder with a special edition

This year marks the tenth birthday of the book that has become an international phenomenon: Wonder.

First published in 2012, RJ  Palacio’s debut novel has since sold 16 million copies and made its way into the hearts of readers – of all ages – around the world. Ten years on, it remains a favourite and continues to be celebrated through new editions, spinoffs and film adaptations all dedicated to the world of Wonder.

About the book

Wonder is a beautiful story about ten-year-old Auggie. He feels just like an ordinary kid: he plays Xbox and eats ice cream . . . but the other kids seem to think he’s different.

Because of a facial difference, Auggie has been home-schooled for his whole life, but when it’s time for him to go to a mainstream school, he wants nothing more than to be accepted. Told through the shared perspectives of Auggie and those around him, the book inspires readers of all ages to consider what it’s like inside other people’s minds.

It’s hard not to learn a lesson when reading this book, and though it’s aimed at children, parents – and all adults, for that matter – could do well to read it too. In celebration of the 10th anniversary, a beautiful new Hardback edition was released this May, making it the perfect time to give Wonder a chance.

Why RJ Palacio wrote it

While Auggie’s story is fictional, it was a real-life encounter that first inspired author RJ Palacio to write Wonder.

In an interview with NPR, the author spoke about the experience and how it shaped the book. When visiting an ice cream store, the family sat next to a little girl with a severe facial deformity. Her son, 3 years old at the time began crying in fear of seeing something different – and in an effort to protect the girl, Palacio fled.

‘I was really angry at myself afterwards for the way I had responded," she told NPR. "What I should have done is simply turned to the little girl and started up a conversation and shown my kids that there was nothing to be afraid of. But instead what I ended up doing was leaving the scene so quickly that I missed that opportunity to turn the situation into a great teaching moment for my kids. And that got me thinking a lot about what it must be like to ... have to face a world every day that doesn't know how to face you back.’

That night, Palacio began writing the book and the rest is history.

The 10th anniversary

It would be an understatement to say that Wonder has made a splash over the past ten years.

It’s been published in more than 55 languages, sold over 16 million copies, and been on the New York Times middle-grade bestseller list for over 500 weeks, taking the #1 spot for 213 of those.

Though the world has changed in so many ways since 2012, the core themes in the novel are just as relevant today as they were when the book first came out. Empathy, kindness, understanding and compassion are truly timeless, and the enduring popularity of Wonder proves it.

The beautiful 10th Anniversary illustrated edition celebrates this milestone with original colour artwork and an essay from the author. A special edition of a very special book, this new hardback is perfect for long-time fans of Wonder or new readers lucky enough to experience it for the first time.

For readers who prefer paperback, the original paperback edition has also recieved a fresh update, with the new cover and anniversarry call-out as well. 

Want to learn more? Check it out here.