Picture a New York storyteller who turned a chance encounter into a global movement for kindness—meet R.J. Palacio! Born Raquel Jaramillo, this American novelist and graphic designer captured hearts with her 2012 debut, Wonder, a children’s novel that’s as much a lesson in empathy as it is a page-turner. With her unique blend of visual artistry and storytelling, Palacio has become a beloved voice in children’s literature, inspiring readers to choose kindness.
Her work, rooted in themes of acceptance and compassion, doesn’t just entertain—it sparks conversations. From classrooms to Hollywood, Palacio’s stories have left an indelible mark, proving that a good book can change the world, one reader at a time.
The Making of R.J. Palacio
Born on July 13, 1963, in New York City to Colombian immigrant parents, Raquel Jaramillo grew up in a creative household where art and storytelling thrived. She honed her artistic skills at Manhattan’s High School of Art and Design and later at Parsons School of Design, majoring in illustration. A year abroad at the American University of Paris broadened her perspective, fueling her love for visual storytelling. For over two decades, Palacio worked as a graphic designer and art director, designing book covers for authors like Paul Auster and Thomas Pynchon, all while dreaming of writing her own novel.
R.J. Palacio’s Unforgettable Stories
Palacio’s debut, Wonder, published in 2012, follows August ‘Auggie’ Pullman, a boy with a facial difference navigating his first year in mainstream school. Inspired by a real-life encounter with a child at an ice cream shop and Natalie Merchant’s song ‘Wonder,’ the novel weaves multiple perspectives to explore empathy and acceptance. Its accessible, heartfelt style and focus on kindness made it a #1 New York Times bestseller, translated into over 50 languages.
Palacio expanded the Wonder universe with companion works like Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories (2015), offering perspectives from Auggie’s friends, and We’re All Wonders (2017), a picture book for younger readers. Her graphic novel White Bird (2019) tells a Holocaust-era story of courage, connecting historical kindness to today’s world. Her 2021 novel Pony ventures beyond the Wonder universe, blending adventure and mystery. Palacio’s writing, marked by realistic dialogue and emotional depth, invites readers to see the world through others’ eyes.
Why R.J. Palacio Matters
Palacio’s impact transcends the page. Wonder sparked the Choose Kind movement, inspiring anti-bullying campaigns and classroom discussions worldwide. The 2017 film adaptation, starring Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson, brought Auggie’s story to millions, earning an Academy Award nomination. Palacio’s ability to address tough topics like disability and bullying with grace has made her a staple in schools, fostering empathy in young readers. Awards like the Christopher Award (2013) and Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children’s Book Award (2014) underscore her influence.
Her stories remind us that kindness is a choice with ripple effects, making her a vital voice in children’s literature. By blending her design expertise with storytelling, Palacio crafts narratives that are both visually vivid and emotionally resonant, ensuring her legacy endures.
- Born: July 13, 1963, in New York City
- Key Works: Wonder (2012), Auggie & Me (2015), We’re All Wonders (2017), White Bird (2019), Pony (2021)
- Awards: Christopher Award (2013), Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children’s Book Award (2014)
- Fun Fact: She lives in Brooklyn with her husband, two sons, and two dogs, Bear and Beau.
About R.J. Palacio
Snag Wonder or We’re All Wonders and dive into R.J. Palacio’s heartwarming world of kindness and courage!