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TL;DR: Auggie & Me collects three stories set in the world of Wonder, each told by a different child connected to Auggie Pullman, a boy with a facial difference. Julian, the bully, explains his side and learns from his grandmother's story. Christopher, Auggie's oldest friend, deals with distance and family stress. Charlotte, a student helper, navigates friendship drama and dance.
Table of Contents
Auggie & Me at a Glance
| Author | R.J. Palacio |
| First published | 2015 |
| Type | Children's fiction |
| Best for | readers who loved Wonder and want to see the story from new perspectives |
Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories is a book by R.J. Palacio, published in 2015. It includes The Julian Chapter, Pluto and Shingaling. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it.
Content note: Includes bullying, family stress and wartime persecution in a historical story.
Main Characters
- Julian Albans: The boy who bullied Auggie.
- Christopher: Auggie's childhood best friend.
- Charlotte Cody: A classmate who welcomes Auggie.
- Grandmère: Julian's grandmother.
- Auggie Pullman: The boy at the center of Wonder.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
The Julian Chapter
Julian explains why he treated Auggie badly. He was frightened by Auggie's face and had nightmares. His parents supported his behavior instead of correcting him. After he is suspended, he visits his grandmother, Grandmère, in Paris. She tells him how, as a Jewish girl during the Second World War, she was hidden from the Nazis by a classmate, a boy who was bullied because he had polio.
Julian changes
Grandmère's story deeply affects Julian. He realizes how cruel he was and how kindness saved his grandmother's life. He writes a letter of apology to Auggie. Julian begins to understand that he can choose to be kind.
Pluto
Christopher was Auggie's best friend when they were small, but his family moved away. Now he is busy with school, music and his parents' divorce. He feels guilty that he does not see Auggie often. When a family crisis happens, Christopher realizes the value of his friendship with Auggie and his family.
Shingaling
Charlotte, one of Auggie's guides at school, tells her story. She is caught between groups of friends, including the popular Ximena and the unpopular Summer. She auditions for a dance with girls who are not always kind. Charlotte learns about loyalty, standing up for others and being true to herself.
Connections
The three stories show how Auggie affects the people around him, and how each child is dealing with their own challenges. Together, they deepen the message of Wonder: choose kind.
5 Key Takeaways
- Everyone has their own story.
- Kindness can change lives.
- People can change for the better.
- Friendships need care.
- Understanding others' struggles builds empathy.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- Choose kind.
- Bullies may also need help.
- The past can teach us how to act today.
Who Should Read Auggie & Me?
Read Auggie & Me if you loved Wonder and want more stories from its world. It suits ages 9 to 13.
About R.J. Palacio
R.J. Palacio (born 1963) is an American author and graphic designer. She worked as an art director designing book covers before writing Wonder, which became a global best seller and a 2017 film. She also wrote White Bird, a graphic novel based on Grandmère's story, which became a 2023 film, and Pony.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of Auggie & Me:
- Why did Julian bully Auggie?
- How does Grandmère's story change Julian?
- What does Charlotte learn about friendship?
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether Auggie & Me is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full story, characters and style, which no short summary can replace.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of Auggie & Me, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary between copies.
Should You Read the Book?
Yes. It adds depth and new perspectives to Wonder.
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What to Read Next
- Wonder by R.J. Palacio: the original story
- White Bird by R.J. Palacio: Grandmère's story as a graphic novel
- Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper: a gifted girl finds her voice
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Auggie & Me?
Three stories from the world of Wonder, told by different characters.
Who wrote it?
R.J. Palacio, in 2015.
What are the three stories?
The Julian Chapter, Pluto and Shingaling.
Who is Julian?
The boy who bullied Auggie.
What is Grandmère's story?
How she was hidden from the Nazis as a child.
Who is Christopher?
Auggie's childhood friend.
Who is Charlotte?
A classmate who welcomes Auggie.
What age is it for?
Ages 9 to 13.
How long is it?
About 320 pages.
Do I need to read Wonder first?
Yes.
Is there a film?
White Bird (2023) is based on The Julian Chapter's story.
Is it as good as Wonder?
Many readers think it adds important depth.
Can I read the stories separately?
Yes, each one stands alone.
Is Auggie & Me worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers who loved Wonder and want to see the story from new perspectives. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.