The message of a novel is often contained in the themes which are developed in the novel or can be recognized in the title which an author chooses for their work.

Consider the following themes which Wonder focuses on: kindness, friendship, acceptance, appearance, and personal development. These themes work together to present the message to the reader.

Mr. Brown’s first precept, "When given the choice between being right and being kind, choose kind," is a key part of the message of the novel. The idea of choosing kindness is explored on numerous occasions and includes being kind to others when they are different to us, as Auggie is, and when they make mistakes, as Jack does during the incident at Halloween. It can also be seen when Justin assists Jack with the bullies.

Through the course of the novel and Auggie’s first year at Beecher Prep, the characters face unique challenges and develop new strengths. Auggie’s triumph at the end of the novel, where he is awarded the Henry Ward Beecher Medal, is a celebration of his personal journey and development. This contributes to the message that one can journey through adversity and develop greater personal strengths and abilities.

Auggie’s journey has an impact on those around him, and he himself has an impact on their journeys. Consider the final words of the novel when Auggie’s mother speaks to him after the ceremony:

“Thank you, Auggie,” she answered softly.
“For what?”
“For everything you’ve given us,” she said. “For coming into our lives. For being you.”
She bent down and whispered in my ear. “You really are a wonder, Auggie. You are a wonder.”

This connects to the title and to the novel’s essence: the wonder of living to one’s full potential regardless of the challenges faced and how this has such a positive impact on the lives of everyone else.