Wonderland by Barbara O’Connor

Middle Grade • Friendship • Family • New Beginnings

Author: Barbara O’Connor

Genre: Realistic Contemporary Fiction

Recommended Ages: 8-12; Wonderful for independent reading, small book clubs, and classroom discussions.

Summary: (Spoiler-free)

Wonderland follows two girls whose lives unexpectedly collide: Mavis Jeeter, bold and determined, and Rose Tuttle, shy and anxious, who prefers predictable routines. When Mavis moves into Rose’s neighborhood—where her mother has taken a housekeeping job—the girls strike up an unlikely but heartwarming friendship. Along the way, a runaway dog named Henry brings them even closer, sparking adventures that help both girls find courage, belonging, and trust in ways they never expected.

My Thoughts:

This is such a gentle, charming middle-grade novel that reminds readers how transformative friendship can be. Barbara O’Connor writes with such warmth and authenticity—both Mavis and Rose feel real, imperfect, hopeful, and easy to love. I appreciate how O’Connor shows two very different personalities navigating friendship with honesty and vulnerability.

As a future elementary school librarian, I love that Wonderland offers young readers relatable entry points: nervousness about new situations, wanting a true friend, navigating family change, and learning to trust themselves. It’s also beautifully accessible for reluctant or struggling readers. This is the kind of book that quietly comforts kids who may be feeling uncertain, overlooked, or out of place.

Themes:

• Friendship & Belonging

• Family Change

• Courage & Self-Confidence

• Economic Differences & Class

• Empathy & Understanding

• Finding Your Voice

Why Wonderland by Barbara O’Connor is Important for Diversity and Inclusion:

While Wonderland focuses most on friendship, personality differences, and emotional growth, it also opens gentle conversations about class and privilege. Rose’s family lives comfortably, while Mavis and her mother move frequently for jobs. O’Connor handles these socioeconomic contrasts with care, showing young readers that compassion and friendship can bridge different life experiences. Stories like this help children develop empathy for peers who may live differently and remind them that every child deserves kindness, stability, and connection.

Library Integration:

Grades 3–6

• Character Trait Activity: Compare Mavis and Rose—what strengths does each bring to the friendship?

• “What Makes a Good Friend?” Discussion: Invite students to reflect on friendship qualities.

• Feelings Chart: Track how Rose’s confidence changes throughout the book.

• Creative Writing Prompt: “Write about a time you stepped outside your comfort zone.”

• Pet Connection Activity: Use Henry’s storyline to talk about empathy toward animals.

  
  

Library Programming

• Friendship Book Display: Pair Wonderland with Because of Winn-Dixie, The Great Gilly Hopkins, and Maybe, Maybe Marisol Rainey.

• Friendship Tree Bulletin Board: Students add leaves with positive friendship actions.

• Read-Aloud Passages: Gentle, emotional chapters make excellent short read-alouds.

Librarian Reflection:

O’Connor’s books always remind me how powerful quiet stories can be. Wonderland shows that bravery doesn’t always look bold—it can be as simple as opening up, trusting someone new, or believing you’re worthy of friendship. As librarians, we can help children discover stories that reassure them they’re not alone in their worries or hopes. This novel is a sweet reminder that friendship can change everything, especially for a child who feels unseen.

*Wonderland by Barbara O’Connor