Novels like Wonder

  1. 1
    Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper

    Melody has a brilliant mind and a photographic memory, but nobody knows because she can't speak or walk due to cerebral palsy. She fights every day to be understood in a world that often dismisses people like her.

    Melody's journey to find her voice is filled with struggle, but also humor and hope. Like Wonder, this novel encourages empathy and shows readers the importance of looking beyond first impressions to see who a person really is inside.

  2. 2
    Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan

    Willow Chance stands apart from her classmates due to her incredible intelligence and quirky habits. When tragedy strikes and she loses her parents, Willow must navigate the unexpected grief and loneliness.

    Yet, through these challenges she finds kindness in surprising places and builds a new family around herself. If Wonder moved you with its positive message of inclusion and the warmth of unexpected friendships, you're likely to enjoy Willow's story as well.

  3. 3
    Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

    Ally struggles in school but works hard to hide the fact that she can't read because of dyslexia.

    When a supportive teacher finally recognizes Ally's real challenges, she's encouraged to see herself differently—not as a failure, but as someone who can thrive when given the right tools and understanding.

    Like Wonder, this novel explores the power of teachers, friends, and self-acceptance, highlighting the value of looking past labels and believing in one's own potential.

  4. 4
    The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

    Set during World War II, Ada, who has a clubfoot, had been hidden away for years by her mother. When the war forces evacuation, Ada gets the chance to escape her isolation.

    Suddenly she's out in the world, learning to ride horses and gradually finding friendship and affection she's never experienced before.

    For readers who appreciated Auggie's journey from isolation to acceptance, Ada's story provides a similarly powerful portrayal of bravery and healing.

  5. 5
    Roll With It by Jamie Sumner

    Ellie doesn't want people to only see her wheelchair and the cerebral palsy that put her in it—the most interesting thing about her is actually her talent in baking.

    When Ellie moves to a new town with her mom, she faces anxiety about fitting in, but finds ways to connect through genuine friendship and her passion for pies. Ellie’s determination and optimism offer readers a heartfelt experience similar to that found in Wonder.

  6. 6
    Merci Suárez Changes Gears by Meg Medina

    Merci is entering sixth grade at an elite private school on scholarship, and life isn't easy. Navigating family expectations, school pressures, and her Cuban-American identity presents a daily struggle.

    Like Auggie from Wonder, Merci faces relatable middle school dramas about friendships and fitting in, alongside important lessons on caring for family through hard times. Her relatable voice and authentic experiences make this a story filled with warmth and wisdom.

  7. 7
    El Deafo by Cece Bell

    In this engaging graphic novel memoir, Cece shares what life was like growing up deaf and wearing a bulky hearing aid. She imagines herself as El Deafo, a superhero who finds confidence and humor even through difficult social situations.

    Fans of Wonder can appreciate Cece's honest and heartfelt portrayal of wanting to belong while feeling different, as it presents disability and friendships with similar warmth and compassion.

  8. 8
    Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

    Stargirl arrives at a high school in Arizona determined to stay true to herself, no matter how unusual she seems to everyone else. At first admired, then mocked, Stargirl teaches her classmates profound lessons about courage and kindness, though not without emotional cost.

    Readers who appreciated Auggie's bravery and authenticity in Wonder will likely connect with Stargirl's unique story about individuality and the power one person can have.

  9. 9
    Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine

    Caitlin, a young girl with Asperger’s syndrome, struggles to understand emotions and social relationships, especially after the death of her older brother.

    Seeking closure and trying to move forward from tragedy, she approaches the complexity of life through a uniquely honest lens. Like Wonder, Caitlin's tale brings warmth, compassion, and insight to readers, encouraging deeper empathy and understanding of different perspectives.

  10. 10
    Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt

    Doug Swieteck arrives in a new town carrying the burdens of a difficult family life and plenty of anger. But when he discovers the local library and a supportive mentor, Doug is gradually changed by art and unexpected kindnesses.

    Doug’s story, filled with grit and hope, speaks clearly to the idea, central in Wonder, that support and understanding can help anyone rise above challenges and find their place.

  11. 11
    The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart

    Coyote and her dad have been wandering the country in a converted bus for years, avoiding their grief over a family tragedy. But an unexpected event sends Coyote and her dad on an urgent journey back home, gathering new friends along the way who soon feel more like family.

    Much as Wonder celebrated friendship and compassion, this novel explores grief and healing through humor, travel, and the connections we make.

  12. 12
    See You in the Cosmos by Jack Cheng

    Told through audio recordings, this story follows young Alex, who's obsessed with space and hopes to launch his homemade rocket into the cosmos. His journey leads him into discoveries about family, friendship, and himself.

    Alex’s earnest optimism and courage mirror Auggie’s attitudes in Wonder, providing readers another compelling narrative emphasizing kindness, discovery, and seeing the world from unique perspectives.

  13. 13
    The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin

    Suzy is stunned and heartbroken when her former best friend suddenly dies, leading her into deep grief. Refusing to accept some things can't be explained rationally, she becomes fascinated with jellyfish and embarks on an inspiring scientific pursuit of answers.

    Readers who enjoyed Wonder for its emotional depth and reflection on loss and friendship will find a similarly powerful story here about coping with the confusing and painful moments of childhood.

  14. 14
    Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

    Jess and Leslie form a powerful friendship and create an imaginary kingdom in the woods called Terabithia—but when tragedy strikes, Jess must learn to heal and keep moving forward.

    This classic novel, admired by generations, shares with Wonder a strong emphasis on friendships, imagination, and the resilience needed after confronting loss. It reminds readers of the strength found in real connection and kindness.

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    Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories by R.J. Palacio

    This companion to Wonder offers new perspectives on its universe through three important characters: Julian, Christopher, and Charlotte.

    It deepens readers' understanding of the original story by portraying the complexities of empathy, bullying, and acceptance from different angles.

    For anyone wishing to revisit Auggie's world, this collection provides exactly the insights and warmth that initially made Wonder so memorable.