"Wonder"
R.J. Palacio
Realistic Fiction
Grade 5-7
313 pages
This book is amazing. So amazing, it's hard to believe it is the author's first book! It tells the story of August (Auggie) Pullman, a 10-year-old boy who loves Star Wars, video games, bike riding, and all kinds of other things that your average 5th grader is into. But August isn't your average 5th grader. You see, Auggie has a genetic condition that caused him to be born with a major facial deformity. He has spent much of his young life in and out of hospitals undergoing surgery upon surgery, but he still looks very different from the average kid. He has been surrounded by a loving family that doesn't see his differences, that loves him for who he is; however, the time has come for Auggie to start venturing into the world outside the comfort of home -- he is going to start school, for the first time in his life. He can handle the work (he's been home-schooled and is super-smart), but can he handle the reactions of his peers? Will the other students accept Auggie for who he is or treat him like a freak? What makes this story fascinating is that the author tells it from several different points of view. We hear Auggie's experience, as well as the experiences of some of his classmates and others in his life. It is an anti-bullying story that explores the complexities of social interactions, the pressure to 'fit in,' and the power of true friendship and seeing beyond appearances. I had a hard time putting this one down!
R.J. Palacio
Realistic Fiction
Grade 5-7
313 pages
This book is amazing. So amazing, it's hard to believe it is the author's first book! It tells the story of August (Auggie) Pullman, a 10-year-old boy who loves Star Wars, video games, bike riding, and all kinds of other things that your average 5th grader is into. But August isn't your average 5th grader. You see, Auggie has a genetic condition that caused him to be born with a major facial deformity. He has spent much of his young life in and out of hospitals undergoing surgery upon surgery, but he still looks very different from the average kid. He has been surrounded by a loving family that doesn't see his differences, that loves him for who he is; however, the time has come for Auggie to start venturing into the world outside the comfort of home -- he is going to start school, for the first time in his life. He can handle the work (he's been home-schooled and is super-smart), but can he handle the reactions of his peers? Will the other students accept Auggie for who he is or treat him like a freak? What makes this story fascinating is that the author tells it from several different points of view. We hear Auggie's experience, as well as the experiences of some of his classmates and others in his life. It is an anti-bullying story that explores the complexities of social interactions, the pressure to 'fit in,' and the power of true friendship and seeing beyond appearances. I had a hard time putting this one down!