Wonder

“Wonder” is both the title of the novel and a significant theme for many of its characters, especially Auggie and Summer. At the novel’s end, Auggie’s mom thanks him for being “a wonder” to the family. For Auggie’s parents, his journey from fear to courage demonstrates remarkable growth. Throughout his trials, Auggie maintains a sense of composure and wonder. In fact, Summer and Auggie get along so well because she, too, views the world with awe. In Auggie’s words, “When Summer talks, especially when she’s excited about something, her eyes squint like she’s looking right at the sun” (68). Moreover, both Summer and Auggie love to dress up for Halloween and play games; they hold on to their playful curiosity long after most of the kids in their grade have left such games behind. Summer also marvels at how seemingly lighthearted Auggie is about his circumstance. A childlike sense of mirth brings the two characters together. When Summer is around Auggie, she says, “I laughed again. He was such a good sport about himself. That’s one of the things I like the most about Auggie” (129). Most kids in Auggie’s shoes might sulk, manifest self-loathing, or act out their anger.