What are the challenges confronted by August Pullman?

In R.J Palacio’s novel Wonder, August (Auggie) Pullman’s chief challenges are gaining acceptance from his peers and staying brave in the face of adversity. While these are both challenges faced by many middle school students, Auggie’s situation differs because he suffers from a facial birth defect, which is most likely Treacher Collins syndrome. To protect him, his parents have homeschooled him for his entire elementary school career. However, in fifth grade, he enrolls at Beecher Prep, a private middle school in New York City. This decision, which Auggie is not initially enthusiastic about, forces him to face and, eventually, overcome his challenges.
Auggie is very aware of his facial differences. Prior to beginning Beecher Prep, when out in public, he always wore an astronaut helmet that completely covered his face. He did this to protect himself from strangers’ stares. Once he starts school without the helmet, he is treated cruelly by most of the student population. He is insulted and socially isolated. Students actually refuse to touch him, and he feels incredibly alone. His key nemesis throughout the year is Julian, a fifth grader who, along with fellow classmates Jack and Charlotte, give Auggie a tour of the school before the year begins. Julian, a child who appears kind in front of adults, is the key instigator in the bullying Auggie suffers throughout the year.
Luckily for Auggie, by the novel’s end, he is able to overcome his challenges, though not without a lot of pain and self-doubt. His relationship with Jack flounders when he overhears Jack making fun of him in order to fit in with their classmates. However, the two eventually reconcile and remain friends.
The novel’s climax occurs when Auggie goes on an overnight nature retreat with his entire fifth grade class. While there, Auggie and Jack are attacked by some seventh graders. Classmates Amos, Henry, and Miles—former friends of Julian and part of the group that bullied Auggie—protect him.
Although few kids suffer from a facial deformity, most wish to be judged by their character, not by their appearance. Furthermore, many have faced bullying situations. Auggie’s story is powerful not only because of its message of kindness and compassion, but also because Auggie’s bravery and determination in the face of adversity are inspirational to everyone.