The novel Wonder reached international prominence upon its 2012 release, eventually serving as the foundational text for a broader narrative universe. Born Raquel Jaramillo in Queens in 1963, the American writer transitioned from a long career in graphic design to children's literature, leveraging her visual background to inform her creative storytelling process.
Early Career and Design Work
Before achieving acclaim as a novelist, Palacio worked as a graphic artist for two decades. Based in New York, she specialized in book cover design, producing hundreds of covers for authors including Paul Auster and Thomas Pynchon. She balanced this profession with her writing, completing early board books such as Ride, Baby, Ride and Dream, Baby, Dream! during night hours. Her academic background includes studies at the High School of Art & Design and the Parsons School of Design, followed by a year at the American University of Paris.
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Following the success of her 2012 novel, Palacio expanded the reach of her most famous characters through companion volumes. These include 365 Days of Wonder, a collection of precepts, and Auggie & Me, which offered alternative perspectives from supporting characters. She further adapted the narrative for younger readers with the 2017 picture book We’re All Wonders. Her graphic novel White Bird explored the history of a secondary character's family during World War II and was released as a film in October 2024 featuring Helen Mirren and Gillian Anderson.
Literary Expansion and Honors
In 2021, she moved beyond the Wonder series with the publication of Pony, for which Random House initiated a 500,000-copy first printing. Her work has received numerous accolades, including the 2013 E. B. White Read Aloud Award for Middle Readers and the Christopher Award. She has also received regional honors, such as the 2014 Maine Student Book Award and the 2015 Mark Twain Award. Beyond her literary output, she was designated a 'Peace Hero' by Kids for Peace in 2018.
Fast facts
- Born: 1963, Queens, New York
- Primary Occupation: Writer and graphic artist
- Notable Work: Wonder (2012)
- 2013 Awards: E. B. White Read Aloud Award; Christopher Award
- Education: Parsons School of Design
- Spouse: Russell Gordon
- Most Recent Novel: Pony (2021)
- Nationality: United States
Questions readers ask
What was R. J. Palacio's profession before writing novels?
She worked as a graphic designer for twenty years, primarily creating book covers for various fiction and non-fiction titles.
Is Pony part of the Wonder series?
No, Pony, published in 2021, is her first novel that does not feature characters from the Wonder universe.
Achievements
- Notable work: Wonder
- Notable work: Wonder