February 2013- Wonder by RJ Palacio

WONDER

R. J. PALACIO

"I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse. " August Pullman was born with a facial deformity that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid--but his new classmates can't get past Auggie's extraordinary face. WONDER, now a #1 "New York Times" bestseller and included on the Texas Bluebonnet Award master list, begins from Auggie's point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community's struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance. "Wonder is the best kids' book of the year," said Emily Bazelon, senior editor at Slate.com and author of "Sticks and Stones: Defeating the Culture of Bullying and Rediscovering the Power of Character and Empathy." In a world where bullying among young people is an epidemic, this is a refreshing new narrative full of heart and hope. R.J. Palacio has called her debut novel "a meditation on kindness" --indeed, every reader will come away with a greater appreciation for the simple courage of friendship. Auggie is a hero to root for, a diamond in the rough who proves that you can't blend in when you were born to stand out.
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Everyone enjoyed a light read after "Middlesex" but that does not mean that this book was without substance. It is a book packed with issues that are dealt with beauty and empathy. The characters are likeable and believable. The author cleverly uses the characters to unfold the story without judgement.

We all enjoyed the book and were keen to discuss the authors accuracy in describing our discomfort in reacting to encountering people with severe deformities. 

This is a likeable book about a difficult subject. School aged readers could easily access and enjoy.

Kathy 9
Annette 10
Cheryl 10
Deb 8
Kristy 9
Alison 7
Megan 7
Genevieve 9
Anna 10

Average rating: 8.7

Thanks to Cheryl for providing multiple copies of the book.