What if choosing kindness wasn’t just a precept, but a way of seeing?
Step into the world of R.J. Palacio’s extraordinary novel, Wonder, through the eyes of August “Auggie” Pullman. He’s a ten-year-old navigating fifth grade, dealing with friendships, challenges, and the reality of a significant facial difference.
Auggie’s journey is more than just starting school; it’s a powerful exploration of courage, the search for acceptance, and finding your place when you stand out.
Discover 60 essential quotes and precepts from Auggie, his family, and friends—Via, Summer, Jack, Justin, Miranda. These voices weave together themes of kindness, identity, perspective, the pain of bullying, the strength of friendship, and the intricate beauty of human connection.
Sourced directly from the first edition hardcover (details below), these powerful words reveal the heart of a story that ultimately celebrates choosing kindness, always.
Part One: August – Ordinary Kid, Extraordinary Face
We first meet Auggie as he grapples with his own perception of ‘ordinary’ against the backdrop of starting middle school with an extraordinary appearance.
“Here’s what I think: the only reason I’m not ordinary is that no one else sees me that way.”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Auggie Pullman as the narrator), Theme: Perspective, Identity, Normalcy, Page 3
This opening insight immediately establishes Auggie’s self-awareness and the core tension between internal self-image and external perception.
“My name is August, by the way. I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse.”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Auggie Pullman as the narrator), Theme: Self-Perception, Facing Reality, Page 3
“Mom smiled at me. Her smile kind of hugged me.”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Auggie Pullman as the narrator), Theme: Family, Love, Comfort, Page 11
“What’s cool about really little kids is that they don’t say stuff to try to hurt your feelings, even though sometimes they do say stuff that hurts your feelings. But they don’t actually know what they’re saying. Big kids, though: they know what they’re saying. And that is definitely not fun for me.”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Auggie Pullman as the narrator), Theme: Bullying, Intent vs. Impact, Growing Up, Pages 20-21
“One of the reasons I grew my hair long last year was that I like how my bangs cover my eyes: it helps me block out the things I don’t want to see.”
~ R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Auggie Pullman as the narrator), Theme: Coping Mechanisms, Avoidance, Page 21
“Who we are,” he said, underlining each word as he said it. “Who we are! Us! Right? What kind of people are we? What kind of person are you? Isn’t that the most important thing of all? Isn’t that the kind of question we should be asking ourselves all the time? “What kind of person am I? … Learning who you are is what you’re are here to do.”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Mr. Browne), Theme: Identity, Self-Reflection, Purpose of Education, Page 47
“Learning who you are is what you’re here to do.”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Mr. Browne), Theme: Self-Discovery, Education Goals, Page 47
“MR. BROWNE’S SEPTEMBER PRECEPT: WHEN GIVEN THE CHOICE BETWEEN BEING RIGHT OR BEING KIND, CHOOSE KIND.”
~R. J. Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Mr. Browne), Theme: Kindness, Morality, Choices, Pages 47, 48
Mr. Browne’s foundational precept challenges everyone to prioritize empathy, setting a key benchmark for the characters’ actions throughout the year.
“Words can’t change my face”
~R J Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Auggie Pullman as the narrator), Theme: Acceptance, Reality, Appearance, Page 60
“The things we do outlast our mortality. The things we do are like monuments that people build to honor heroes after they’ve died. They’re like the pyramids that the Egyptians built to honor the pharaohs. Only instead of being made of stone, they’re made out of the memories people have of you.”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Auggie Pullman as the narrator, reflecting on Mr. Browne’s October precept), Theme: Legacy, Actions vs. Words, Memory, Page 65
“…your deeds are like your monuments. Built with memories instead of stone.”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Auggie Pullman as the narrator), Theme: Legacy, Impact, Memory, Page 65
“I wish every day could be Halloween. We could all wear masks all the time. Then we could walk around and get to know each other before we got to see what we looked like under the masks.”
~R. J. Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Auggie Pullman as the narrator), Theme: Appearance vs. Reality, Acceptance, Social Anxiety, Identity, Page 73
This heartfelt wish underscores Auggie’s yearning for acceptance based on his inner self, free from the judgment his appearance often invites.
(Mr. Browne’s OCTOBER Precept): “Your deeds are your monuments.”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, Theme: Legacy, Action, Page 65
Via’s perspective shifts the lens, offering insights into the life of a sibling orbiting a brother the world views as different.
Part Two: Via – Auggie’s Sister in Orbit
Via reflects on her family dynamics, carving out her own identity, and the complex, often protective, love for her unique brother.
“It’s so strange how one day you can be on this earth, and the next day not.”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Via Pullman as the narrator, reflecting on Grans), Theme: Mortality, Grief, Perspective, Page 86
“I actually like how doctors talk. I like the sound of science. I like how words you don’t understand explain things you can’t understand.”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Via Pullman as the narrator), Theme: Science, Understanding, Complexity, Page 106
“It’s not a contest about whose days suck the most. The point is we all have to put up with the bad days.”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Via Pullman to Auggie), Theme: Resilience, Perspective, Shared Struggles, Page 115
“Do people go out of their way to avoid touching you, Via?” he answered, which left me momentarily without an answer. “Yeah, right. That’s what I thought. So don’t compare your bad days at school to mine, okay?”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Auggie Pullman to Via), Theme: Perspective, Empathy, Social Challenges, Page 115
(Via to Auggie dialogue): “Are you really going to let a couple of stupid kids keep you from going back to school? I know you’ve been enjoying it. Don’t give them that power over you. Don’t give them the satisfaction.”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Via Pullman to Auggie), Theme: Resilience, Peer Pressure, Page 115
Summer represents the quiet strength of choosing friendship based on genuine connection, regardless of social pressures.
Part Three: Summer – Choosing Friendship
Summer follows her own compass, befriending Auggie simply because she likes him, offering a model of quiet integrity amidst middle school’s social complexities.
“I mean, I don’t want to brag or anything, but I’m actually considered something of a medical wonder, you know.”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Auggie Pullman to Summer), Theme: Humor, Self-Awareness, Coping, Page 130
“If you can get through middle school without hurting anyone’s feelings, that’s really cool beans.”
~R. J. Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Summer Dawson‘s Precept), Theme: Kindness, Empathy, Middle School Challenges, Page 313
(Summer context quote): “I guess he doesn’t have to wear a mask at Halloween, right?”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Narrator: Summer Dawson, quoting Savanna implicitly referencing Auggie), Theme: Social Perception, Appearance, Page 118
(Henry context quote): “So, we want to know why you hang out with the Zombie Kid so much,”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Henry Joplin to Summer), Theme: Bullying, Peer Pressure, Page 119
(Savanna context quote): “You know, Summer,” said Savanna, “you would be a lot more popular if you didn’t hang out with him so much.”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Savanna to Summer), Theme: Popularity, Peer Pressure, Page 119
Jack’s story explores the difficult terrain of peer influence, regret, and the challenging path toward true friendship and loyalty.
Part Four: Jack – Navigating Loyalty and Mistakes
Jack Will grapples with the social consequences of befriending Auggie, makes hurtful mistakes under pressure, but ultimately finds his way back to authentic friendship.
“Jack, sometimes you don’t have to be mean to hurt someone.”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Veronica, Jack’s babysitter), Theme: Impact vs. Intent, Kindness, Empathy, Page 137
“I love that feeling when you first open your eyes in the morning and you don’t even know why everything seems different than usual. Then it hits you: Everything is quiet…when that happens on a school day and you find out your school is closed, well, I don’t care how old I get: I’m always going to think that that’s the best feeling in the world. And I’m never going to be one of those grown-ups that use an umbrella when it’s snowing—ever.”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Jack Will as the narrator), Theme: Joy, Simple Pleasures, Perspective, Page 146
“Some things you just can’t explain. You don’t even try. You don’t know where to start. All your sentences would jumble up like a giant knot if you opened your mouth. Any words you used would come out wrong.”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Jack Will as the narrator, after punching Julian), Theme: Guilt, Communication, Confusion, Page 155
“I do think we’re too young to be dating. I mean I don’t see what the rush is.” Summer says. “Yeah, I agree,” said August. “Which is kind of a shame, you know what with all those babes who keep throwing themselves at me and stuff?”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Characters: Summer Dawson and August Pullman), Theme: Humor, Friendship, Growing Up, Pages 178-179
“Keep calm and carry on! —some saying from World War II”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Jack Will‘s Precept), Theme: Resilience, Stoicism, Page 313
Justin provides an outsider’s view, appreciating the Pullman family while reflecting on broader themes of fate and connection.
Part Five: Justin – An Observer’s Perspective
As Via’s boyfriend, Justin encounters Auggie and the Pullman family dynamic, offering reflections on appearance, family bonds, and the nature of the universe.
“Sometimes I think my head is so big because it is so full of dreams. —John Merrick in Bernard Pomerance’s The Elephant Man”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Epigraph for Justin’s section), Theme: Dreams, Identity, Perception, Page 186
“There’s a word like overprotective to describe some parents, but no word that means the opposite. What word do you use to describe parents who don’t protect enough? Underprotective? Neglectful? Self-involved? Lame? All of the above.”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Justin as the narrator, reflecting on his own family), Theme: Parenting, Family Dynamics, Neglect, Page 192
“no, no, it’s not all random, if it really was all random, the universe would abandon us completely. and the universe doesn’t. it takes care of its most fragile creations in ways we can’t see. like with parents who adore you blindly. and a big sister who feels guilty for being human over you. and a little gravelly-voiced kid whose friends have left him over you. and even a pink-haired girl who carries your picture in her wallet. maybe it is a lottery, but the universe makes it all even out in the end. the universe takes care of all its birds.”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Justin as the narrator), Theme: Fate vs. Choice, Connection, Kindness, Universe, Protection, Page 204
Justin’s musings offer a comforting philosophy, suggesting an underlying compassion and interconnectedness balancing life’s hardships.
“the universe takes care of all its birds.”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Justin as the narrator), Theme: Hope, Fate, Protection, Page 204
Auggie’s voice returns, focusing on coping with new challenges like hearing aids and the profound loss of his beloved dog.
Part Six: August – Hearing Brightly
Auggie faces adjustments with new hearing aids, confronts the deep grief of losing Daisy, and processes the lingering effects of the Halloween betrayal.
“Now that I look back, I don’t know why I was so stressed about it all this time. Funny how sometimes you worry a lot about something and it turns out to be nothing.”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Auggie Pullman as the narrator, about his hearing aids), Theme: Anxiety, Perspective, Relief, Page 215
“Do people look the same when they go to heaven, mommy?” “I don’t know. I don’t think so.” “Then how do people recognize each other?” “I don’t know, sweetie. They just feel it. You don’t need your eyes to love, right?”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Dialogue: Auggie Pullman and Isabel Pullman), Theme: Love, Connection, Afterlife, Perception beyond Sight, Page 227
This tender dialogue explores profound questions about love, loss, and recognition beyond the physical realm.
“That’s how it is in heaven. It’s just love, and no one forgets who they love.”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Isabel Pullman), Theme: Love, Memory, Heaven, Page 227
“I think there should be a rule that everyone in the world should get a standing ovation at least once in their lives.”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Auggie Pullman as the narrator, watching Via’s play), Theme: Recognition, Worth, Empathy, Page 231
Auggie’s simple, generous wish highlights the universal human need for acknowledgment and validation.
Miranda’s viewpoint provides context on shifting friendships and the echoes of past connections.
Part Seven: Miranda – Perspective Shifts
Miranda navigates the complexities of evolving friendships during high school, her changing identity, and her lingering, protective connection to the Pullman family.
“I forgot that I might see So many beautiful things I forgot that I might need To find out what life could bring —Andain, “Beautiful Things””
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Epigraph for Miranda’s section), Theme: Potential, Beauty, Life’s Possibilities, Page 235
The narrative reaches its climax as Auggie confronts fear and finds unexpected bravery during the fifth-grade nature retreat, leading to his graduation.
Part Eight: August – Courage and Graduation
Auggie faces down bullies and discovers wells of courage within himself and his friends at the nature retreat, culminating in significant personal growth and public recognition.
“I did notice as I walked that Amos had stayed right next to me. And Jack was close on the other side of me. And Miles was in front of us and Henry was in back of us. They were surrounding me as we walked through the crowds of kids. Like I had my own emperor’s guard.”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Auggie Pullman as the narrator, after the incident at the nature retreat), Theme: Friendship, Protection, Belonging, Change, Page 272
This powerful moment marks a turning point, showcasing the protective solidarity his true friends now offer him.
“It’s so weird how that can be, how you could have a night that’s the worst in your life, but to everybody else it’s just an ordinary night.”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Auggie Pullman as the narrator), Theme: Perspective, Subjectivity, Trauma, Page 273
“But I really believe, and Daddy really believes, that there are more good people on this earth than bad people, and the good people watch out for each other and take care of each other.”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Isabel Pullman), Theme: Kindness, Hope, Community, Good vs. Evil, Page 279
“The best way to measure how much you’ve grown isn’t by inches or the number of laps you can now run around the track, or even your grade point average– though those things are important, to be sure. It’s what you’ve done with your time, how you’ve chosen to spend your days, and whom you’ve touched this year. That, to me, is the greatest measure of success.”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Mr. Tushman, during graduation speech), Theme: Success, Character, Impact, Values, Page 299
“But in another book by J. M. Barrie called The Little White Bird … he writes … ‘Shall we make a new rule of life … always to try to be a little kinder than is necessary?’ ” Here Mr. Tushman looked up at the audience. “Kinder than is necessary,” he repeated. “What a marvelous line, isn’t it? Kinder than is necessary. Because it’s not enough to be kind. One should be kinder than needed.”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Mr. Tushman, quoting J.M. Barrie), Theme: Kindness, Morality, Going Beyond, Pages 299-300
“We carry with us, as human beings, not just the capacity to be kind, but the very choice of kindness.”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Mr. Tushman), Theme: Kindness, Choice, Human Nature, Page 300
“If every single person in this room made it a rule that wherever you are, whenever you can, you will try to act a little kinder than is necessary – the world really would be a better place. And if you do this, if you act just a little kinder than is necessary, someone else, somewhere, someday, may recognize in you, in every single one of you, the face of God.”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Mr. Tushman), Theme: Kindness, Impact, Collective Action, Divinity in Humanity, Page 301
Mr. Tushman’s graduation speech powerfully encapsulates the novel’s central theme regarding the profound impact of intentional, active kindness.
“Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings, and propel us, on occasion, to greatness.”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Mr. Tushman), Theme: Character, Human Values, Greatness, Page 304
Mr. Tushman highlights the core virtues Auggie and his peers exemplified during their challenging, transformative year.
“It’s like people you see sometimes, and you can’t imagine what it would be like to be that person, whether it’s somebody in a wheelchair or somebody who can’t talk. Only, I know that I’m that person to other people, maybe to every single person in that whole auditorium. To me, though, I’m just me. An ordinary kid.”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Auggie Pullman as the narrator, reflecting at graduation), Theme: Perspective, Empathy, Self-Perception, Identity, Page 306
“I wasn’t even sure why I was getting this medal, really. No, that’s not true. I knew why. It’s like people you see sometimes, and you can’t imagine what it would be like to be that person… Only, I know that I’m that person to other people… To me, though, I’m just me. An ordinary kid. But hey, if they want to give me a medal for being me, that’s okay. I’ll take it. I didn’t destroy a Death Star or anything like that, but I did just get through the fifth grade. And that’s not easy, even if you’re not me.”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Auggie Pullman as the narrator), Theme: Acceptance, Self-Awareness, Resilience, Achievement, Page 306
Auggie’s final reflection reveals his profound self-awareness and acceptance, acknowledging external perceptions while affirming his own sense of self and the significance of his resilience.
Appendix: Precepts
Collected precepts from Mr. Browne and Auggie’s classmates offer valuable parting wisdom on navigating life with integrity, kindness, and self-awareness.
“Have no friends not equal to yourself. —Confucius”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Mr. Browne’s November Precept), Theme: Friendship, Influence, Self-Worth, Page 311
“Audentes fortuna iuvat. (Fortune favors the bold.) —Virgil”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Mr. Browne’s December Precept), Theme: Courage, Risk-Taking, Page 311
“No man is an island, entire of itself. —John Donne”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Mr. Browne’s January Precept), Theme: Connection, Community, Interdependence, Page 311
“It is better to know some of the questions than all of the answers. —James Thurber”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Mr. Browne’s February Precept), Theme: Curiosity, Learning, Humility, Page 311
“Kind words do not cost much. Yet they accomplish much. —Blaise Pascal”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Mr. Browne’s March Precept), Theme: Kindness, Impact of Words, Page 311
“What is beautiful is good, and who is good will soon be beautiful. —Sappho”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Mr. Browne’s April Precept), Theme: Beauty, Goodness, Inner vs. Outer, Page 312
“Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as you ever can. —John Wesley’s Rule”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Mr. Browne’s May Precept), Theme: Kindness, Service, Ethics, Page 312
“Just follow the day and reach for the sun! —The Polyphonic Spree, “Light and Day””
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Mr. Browne’s June Precept), Theme: Optimism, Carpe Diem, Page 312
“It’s not enough to be friendly. You have to be a friend.”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Charlotte Cody‘s Precept), Theme: Friendship, Action vs. Intention, Page 312
“HENRY JOPLIN’S PRECEPT: Don’t be friends with jerks. —Henry Joplin”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder,(Character: Henry Joplin‘s Precept), Theme: Friendship, Boundaries, Judgment, Page 313
“AMOS CONTI’S PRECEPT: Don’t try too hard to be cool. It always shows, and that’s uncool. —Amos Conti”
~R.J. Palacio, Wonder, (Character: Amos Conti‘s Precept), Theme: Authenticity, Social Pressure, Page 313
The Enduring Wonder: Choosing Kindness
These 60 unique quotes and precepts powerfully capture the journey through R.J. Palacio’s Wonder, a narrative that champions empathy and resilience. Exploring themes from the weight of perception to the strength found in friendship and the conscious choice of kindness, the story leaves a lasting impact. Auggie’s experiences, alongside the perspectives of those around him, remind us that true sight comes from the heart, and our actions define our legacy.
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A Note on Page Numbers & Edition:
We carefully sourced these quotes from the Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers; 1st edition (February 14, 2012), ISBN-13: 978-0375869020. Just as Auggie’s perspective changes throughout the book, page numbers can shift slightly across different printings! Always double-check against your own copy to ensure you land on the right passage.
Jeremy Mortis, founder of Ageless Investing, applies a rigorous analytical approach (the AAM framework) to distill timeless wisdom and contextualized quotes from classic literature, saving you time while deepening understanding. Learn more about Jeremy’s unique background and methodology on his author bio page.