Where to start
Wonder
2 versions · originally a book, 2013
Themes: Bullying, Acceptance, Disability, Friendship, Empathy.
Wonder explores the transformative power of radical kindness through the life of a boy navigating severe facial differences.
✦ Most fans start here
Wonder (2013)
The original novel
✦ Start hereWonder
R. J. Palacio · Book · 2013
Wonder (2013) is the foundational novel that provides deep, intimate access to August Pullman’s internal monologue, making it essential for readers who value character-driven storytelling and nuanced emotional development.
2017 film
Wonder
Film · 2017
Wonder (2017) is a poignant film adaptation that translates the book’s central themes into a visual medium, offering a grounded, heartfelt perspective on August’s first year in a mainstream school.
Common questions
Is the 2017 Wonder movie based on the 2013 book?
Yes, the 2017 film Wonder is a direct adaptation of the 2013 novel Wonder written by R. J. Palacio. The movie follows the same core narrative and character arcs established in the original book source material.
Should I read the book Wonder before watching the movie?
Reading the 2013 book Wonder before watching the 2017 movie is a common recommendation for fans. The book provides deeper internal perspective into the characters, which serves as a helpful foundation for experiencing the visual adaptation released four years later.
Is the story in the Wonder movie different from the book?
The 2017 Wonder movie remains faithful to the plot of the 2013 book Wonder. While the film condenses certain subplots and scenes to fit the runtime of a feature movie, it maintains the primary events and themes of the original published work.
How long is the 2013 book Wonder compared to the 2017 movie?
The 2013 book Wonder is a novel that allows for a longer, more detailed exploration of the story over several hundred pages. In contrast, the 2017 movie adaptation of Wonder compresses these events into a standard feature-length cinematic runtime of approximately one hour and fifty-three minutes.