Mock Newbery 2026 discussion

Wonder is making it to the top of many reading lists. It's already a New York Times bestseller. Could it be a Newbery?

I enjoyed it. I do have a couple of minor quibbles about it, but I think it could be a Newbery contender.

This book has the ability to touch so many readers in so many ways. I think it will stay at the top of many lists for a long time.

LauraW wrote: "I enjoyed it. I do have a couple of minor quibbles about it, but I think it could be a Newbery contender."

Like what? I enjoy discussing books and their relative merits and problems! I haven't finished Wonder yet, but when I do, I would love to see if my quibbles match up with yours.

One of my minor quibbles: I don't think this is a real spoiler, but if you want to avoid them entirely, stop reading now.
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Toward the end of the book it is mentioned that Auggie ends up at the top of the class academically. This seemed to me to be a bit over the top as far as compensating for the fact that (if I recall correctly) Jack's mother said that he would bring the school standards down. It is entirely possible that Auggie would be at the top academically, but to me, it says that if he weren't, then he could still be seen as bringing the school standards down. He has to be excellent to be truly acceptable. I would like to have seen him do fine, but not stellarly, implying that it is OK for him to just be average. As I said, it is minor, it just bothered me a bit.

Another minor quibble: I thought Auggie's family was just a tad too good. Most of the other significant characters were much more nuanced and complex - and, for me, that added greatly to the strength of the book, but I felt that Auggie's family needed more dimensionality.

These minor quibbles aside, one of the more significant difficulties I have with the book is that I wish there had been more indication of how people SHOULD react to a child who is so obviously physically deformed. I hated it that he was always noticing the startled look that people had when they first saw him, but I KNOW I would react like that, too. How can you not? Perhaps for that reason, as well as others, I think the book would make a great read-aloud and discussion starter for upper elementary and even middle school aged students.

When visiting a Bronx high school, I saw a boy in the library and thought, The Elephant Man. He was chatting with several other students and seemed at ease. I hope he continued to be successful at fitting in.

As the parent of a child with birth defects, I have been avoiding this one for awhile, and finally came to it very cautiously.

After an awful lot of processing, I've ultimately decided that it is a nice story that is incredibly idealistic. My daughter's experience is incredibly
mild compared to Auggie's, and she still gets treated badly by her peers (and a few of her teachers) even at nearly 19 years old.... and the only major difference at this point is that she wears a prosthetic eye and has severely limited vision which cause some quizzical expressions when she'strying to see something clearly. She has no scars or any other facial disfigurement. And she still gets treated like she has the plague.

After she was born, before her surgeries & her first prosthesis (which she got at 8 months old) I would be accosted by adult strangers in public places
with comments like "that child should be put in an institution" or "Shame on you for using drugs while you were pregnant" or "You should be reported" etc...
The world in our experience is not necessarily a kind place.

I know this is getting tons of Newbery Buzz, but I'm just not that impressed with it. I didn't think the writing was anything special. I do think it holds a great message to kids (and adults), and I wish I could be confident that it could make a real difference.

I am impressed with Holly's post. I went to school from elementary through high school with a girl who had a severe facial deformity and hearing impairment. This was in the late 1950's to graduation from h.school in 1967. I was an ok friend but not a good friend. I always wondered how she felt when she was stared at, avoided,. She was a terrific artist and very smart and had a fantastic mom. I read this book intensely because I felt it gave me a little insight about the feelings part. I don't know how I feel about it being a Newbery-I think about Sharon Draper's book about the girl with cerebal palsy and felt very moved by it, and also Cynthia Lord's book-Rules. They are all books I have read and reread and still think about.

One of the things I liked about Wonder is the idea that kindness is more than just not being mean. I agree that it is idealistic but think that the insight we get through Jack Will's character helps keep this book from becoming overly saccharine and/or moralistic. I also loved the complexity of August's sister, who loves her brother but also feels relieved to attend a school where no one knows him--and feels guilty about that. Also, by seeing an imperfect August through her eyes, we are able to appreciate his own growth throughout the book.

Like Nancy, I liked Wonder, as well as Draper's Out of my Mind, and Lord's Rules. I will say that I thought the ending was a bit of a fairy tale: Highest acheiving AND a huge trophy AND a standing ovation. Wow! But...I think for the average middle school student, late elementary, any other ending may have been a little tramatic. Children always cheer for the underdog and want to see them win. Is it a Newbery contender? We'll see. Maybe an Honor Book at best.

Cynthia wrote: " I will say that I thought the ending was a bit of a fairy tale: Highest acheiving AND a huge trophy AND a standin..."

I agree. As soon as that scene started, I knew that Auggie was going to get the award. But honestly? I think Jack should have gotten it. Auggie went through a lot, yes, and he deserves a lot of credit for keeping going and not just dropping out of school. But he also didn't have much choice. He can't change what he looks like, and even if he had dropped out that wouldn't necessarily have made his life any easier. But Jack also went through a lot of hardship and strife and all of his unhappiness and bullying were based on the fact that he was friends with Auggie. He did have the choice to take the easier path and just give up the friendship, and he *chose* to be the better person. Anyway, I think I'm getting a little overwrought about a minor scene.

I did love the precepts at the end of the book. Using Wonder as a classroom read aloud and then moving into a writing session with the precepts as prompts might make for some thoughtful responses.

I finally finished this book. I don't think it's the "shoe-in" for the Newbery that so many people seem to see it as, but I do think that it's a contender.

The book must be considered for its theme, presentation (clarity, accuracy and organization), plot, characters, setting, and style.

Setting is sort of eh. I felt like the book could have taken place in any city at any private school. Plot is similarly only okay. There were a couple of places where the author's hand seemed a little heavy or cliched (the moment the dog was introduced into the story as being cherished by Auggie, I knew that her days were numbered.) There were very few times when I wondered what was going to happen next. Nothing so big that I would consider them a deal breaker, but also nothing particularly stellar either.

Characters: This is where I thought the book really shone. Auggie was a complex person, both upset by references to his looks and making non-self-hatred jokes about them, by turns pouty and brave. His sister was also a complex character, one who loves her brother but also resents him in some ways, and enjoys the idea of being her own person and not just Auggie's sister.

I'm going to put the multiple character voices under my discussion of presentation. In some ways the many voices were a fabulous choice. Understanding what is going on with Via as well as with Auggie, and getting to see more than one side to the story had a major impact in our understanding of the characters and their worldviews. On the other hand, sometimes I questioned why those particular voices were heard from. I didn't feel like Justin added anything. He had no real insight into Auggie or Via beyond letting us see her from outside the family. As far as I can tell, he was telling the story only so that he could be the "hitman" that finally breaks the back of the War. You could take his entire section out and the book does not suffer. I'm not sure that Miranda's sections were vital either, though they lined up with the themes of the book of being kinder than necessary.

The theme was carried through the whole book, so that gets good marks.

But overall, my impression was one of a solidly good book that stands a chance in the running, but not one that is head and shoulders above the rest. It's one of the ones that I think we have to be careful to separate out whether we think the book is "good" or whether we think the book is "distinguished".

I also think this is a special book. The theme of "being kinder than necessary" is a good one. There's a sense to this book that is more important than all of its individual parts.

Also, I think kids look at this book in a different way. Whether that plays into Newbery or not, I'm not sure.

I read Wonder at the end of the school year and introduced it to the 4th Grade classes to whom I read on a weekly basis (I am, by profession a teacher, actor and director of children's theatre.) They loved it. It hink that speaks highly of the book in itself.

As an adult, I agree the book is WAY idealistic in its ending--and I hated the whole deal with Daisy the dog (although truly portrayed it was an unnecessary tear-jerker ploy). I think for young readers though it DOES offer both: (1) hope in the possiblity of the basic good in everyone; and (2) a good springboard for discussion about differences, tolerance, standing up for what is right in the face of opposition from the majority.

When I am reading children's literature I sometimes forget that I am adult and have had experiences in my life (usually unpleasant or disillusioning ones) that will not be present in the minds of most of the target-age readers for that particular book. It is sometimes helpful for me to go back and re-read a story as I consciously put aside those jaded realizations. I think Wonder might be such a book?

This book had--for me--what I look for when I read: a work of art that leaves me more than I was before I read it, whether that be a good laugh, a new thought or perspective or an inspiration to be a better or different person going forward. Others similar in the Wonder genre are Lord's Rules and Nora Baskins' Anything But Typical.

I also think about how this book will be accepted by the kids of the world who are not "cookie-cutter perfect". The kids who have sticky-out ears, or bad teeth, or are too heavy or too scrawny or too tall or too short. The ones with the 'wrong hair' or can't afford the latest rage of shoes, accessories etc... The ones who are teased, bullied or even shunned by middle school for things beyond their control. As a child, I had a school mate named Lewis Pittsley who was sweet & shy and made a pariah because of his *name* by 1st grade. No one would go near him.

So how is this book going to be seen by those kids? Auggie is frequently described as freakish or monsterish, and yet he is able to turn an entire grade around in just 1 school year, by being himself. My daughter (whose genetics are factually 1 in a million) found the sugar-coated treatment of this issue laughable & mildly offensive. By age 10/11, her main issue was "Why me?", by 12/13 she was just plain furious with fate. Granted, Auggie's not entered the realm of puberty yet, nor does he have true physical impairments beyond his modified diet & corrected hearing loss (which I think would have been caught WAY before 5th grade... these kids go through a whole battery of medical testing at birth & constant evaluations from there on.

Obviously this book is trying to address the human nature behind this intolerance in social groups, and hopefully build some understanding & acceptance of differences, but I think this is not going to be as effective with individual reading. I'm glad some teachers will be guiding their students through it.

I agree that Jack is the character who grows the most and deserves the most credit here.

In our public library, we own 4 copies, with a moderate hold list since purchase. However, I've yet to have a child ask for it, check one out or return it. I think it's getting a circ from adults who are curious from all the buzz it's getting in the children's lit arena.

I would also pair this book up for discussion with Blume's "Blubber" or even Spinelli's "Stargirl" with real middle schoolers.

Really insightful. I agree that it's probably not going to be as effective in any sense as an independent read by kids--better when directed by teacher/parent.

Thank you for your personal insight. They will help me as I guide my own children and future students through the book.

I read WONDER, considering it as a top Newbery contender. Though I love the book and hope all students will read it, I have am not sure if it is my top choice. I want the Newbery book to pass the test of time and I feel there are too many mentions that date the book such as Miley Cyrus and Facebook.

I just finished Wonder last night and I thought it was wonderful. I don't know about a Newbery contender, but I thought the story and message was truly special. It is very important for children to be taught the value of kindness, and that theme is present throughout the entire book. I like the style of jumping back and forth and getting the perspectives of different characaters.

Heather wrote: "One of the things I liked about Wonder is the idea that kindness is more than just not being mean. I agree that it is idealistic but think that the insight we get through Jack Will's character help..."
I liked this quote as well, along with the precepts at the beginning of every chapter. Our sixth grade book group read chose it last May, and I have to say, the discussion that resulted was terrific. It opened up topics that about bullying, fitting in, and kindness. All topics that middle school students struggle with. This is a book that will continue to be part of our curriculum because it does provide insight into these important issues. I think it is Newbery worthy, but also think it is likely to be a Schneider award winner.

Re-reading through many of these comments, I am seeing a common theme of "This book is special because the message is wonderful."

I agree. The message is wonderful. But Newbery awards are generally not given only for the message (and thank goodness for that, or we'd have some horribly didactic and/or saccharine books!). Instead of talking about the message, I think it would be good to frame it in Newbery terms of theme. Clearly one of the major themes of the book is that kindness is about more than not being mean. Looked at from that perspective, how well does the book do at fulfilling that theme?

I think very well. Miranda's choice to give up her star role on opening night seemed sort of out of place and inconsequential to me when I was reading the book, even though it had a nice emotional resonance to it. But if I look at that chapter not as part of the plot but as part of the theme, it makes more sense. After starting high school Miranda is never mean to Via - but it is not until she makes a sacrifice, goes above and beyond, that we really see her be actually kind. (Whether or not you agree that she made the right choice, or whether it was realistic for her to do so, or whatever, the point is that it fits with the theme.)

We see something similar with Amos as well. He is not one of Auggie's tormentors, and, if I remember correctly, is one of the earlier neutrals in the War. Yet it is only when he comes to Auggie's rescue that he really becomes friendly with Auggie and Jack, ie, when we stops "not being mean" and does something more.

I really liked this book. I thought the voices were very authentic. I read parts out loud to my husband - that's one of the tests of voice for me, that it works out loud and the listener can identify the characters. I knew Auggie.

I generally don't think it's good writing when everything is tied up prettily with a bow - but this somehow worked for me. Not sure if it's in the running, but I'm glad I read it.

I agree with some other posts - not sure if this is a Newbery contender but it was a nice read. I liked how the book was in several voices, but would have liked a chapter in Julian's voice to see exactly where he and his family were "coming from". Especially since he was such a prominent figure in Auggie's life that year. Also agree that it was a bit too happy ending for it to be realistic for me as a school story, especially that age range.

I've talked about this book a lot, and I think one of the things that makes it special is that it actually has a life of its own. I understand that it's not especially known by its writing, and it may not end up a Newbery contender because of that, but if the Newbery is also awarded because of story and its ability to change people, then this one might be the one! When I first finished it by reading it to myself, I thought it was good. Then I read it aloud to fifth graders, and they thought it was great. Then I heard it talked about and read it being written about, then I thought it was epic. I can't wait to see what happens in January! The thing is, I've read a lot of great books this year, and I think there are still more coming out that are going to be contenders. Where are all these wonderful writers coming from?! It's awesome.

Funny, I just took this home because of all the buzz around it. I was wondering if this was going to be an early Newbery contender....

I wanted to address a couple things. First, regarding the voice of Via's boyfriend Justin, I liked that he was included. I don't think the only point was for him to be the "hitman". Instead, I think that he was able to point out that while Auggie is dealt a tough hand, that he is also very lucky to have a family that care as much as Auggie's family cares. I think he was there to point out the importance of a strong, caring family.

Regarding Auggie's school performance: he was on the honor roll and was recognized, but he wasn't the "top" academic achiever. I personally was happy that the author allowed him to excel academically. He was previously homeschooled and many homeschooled students do very well when they return to a brick and mortar school. I felt it was realistic and I also thought that since he didn't care to put himself in public eye, that Auggie probably read a lot at home and explored topics more in depth than other kids. If he wasn't part of the honor roll, I would have been surprised since his difficulties weren't in mental capacity.

I also think that the lessor voices (Miranda, Justin) were there to remind readers that we all have challenges. . . some just aren't as visible.

I agree that Jack Will deserved the medal. It doesn't bother me though that Auggie got it. I like books with happy endings. The real quality of this book lies with the characters and the potential to use it as a springboard for discussion. I hope it at least gets recognized as an honor.

Amy

I guess I am a month behind. I just finished reading this book. I sat down and read it straight through. This is certainly one of those books that is begger than the sum of their parts. While the storyline, writing, and characters are all pretty good, when put together this was an excellent read. I really enjoyed getting to know each of these characters. I think having Justin as a character (to show an outsider perspective) was particularly clever. I think "Auggie" will join the ranks of characters known by their first name only. A truly inspiring and inspired book.Wonder

I just finished Wonder last night. I understand some people's comments that it is too idealistic. However, I think we should remember that this is a work of fiction. It is not real, nor is it meant to be taken as a biography. I think the power of the book is what it leaves with the reader. With the amount of bullying going on today, it's great to give kids an opportunity to see other perspectives, think about being how people are treated, and provide a jump off point for meaningful discussion. A great book leaves you with more than you started with. I think Wonder certainly does. Besides, when we read a book or watch a movie for entertainment, we all root for a happy ending.

Starr wrote: "Besides, when we read a book or watch a movie for entertainment, we all root for a happy ending. "

well, I actually love sad endings in movies and often don't like things wrapped up in pretty bows. So I'd have to disagree that's what we all do.

I would also argue that it is realistic fiction. The author has the freedom to take the plot where they please, but it may weaken it a bit.

Does an inspiring book make it distinguished? Are there parts that could be stronger - if so, how? all books have weaknesses - and I'll be interested to see how this stacks up to other strong contenders. As inspiring as it is :-) I really did like this book, but I'm still holding out hope to find something that makes me buy it and lend it to everyone I talk to. Hoping for one this year.

ps I wish I were a teacher and could see kids' reactions to it firsthand.

I have to admit, I have been lending this one to everyone I know!

I'm very late on this one, but I finally read it! I enjoyed this book a lot, but I have to admit, I don't think it's a Newbery contender. I give it high marks for character and theme, but sometimes the craft of the book faltered, I felt. I know it's a little quibble, but I had problems with the dialog a few times, like it didn't always contribute to the story. It also seemed that Summer kind of dropped off in the middle of the book, after her point of view, and the reappeared at the end. I also agree with others who said they didn't see the point of Justin's point of view. I agree he didn't lend much to the story. I would of much rather had Julian's point of view. It kind of bugged me that he didn't grow at all as a character like everyone else did. After all that, I will repeat, I really liked this book. It's being read pretty heavily in the community I work in. I think it teaches kids a good deal about kindness and tolerance toward people who are different. The idealness and how the story wraps up I think, to an adult, can seem trite, but to a kid I think it's what they want to read. They want the happy ending that this book gives them.