Fall favorites! Wonder by RJ Palacio

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Book review by Elizabeth Rossi

 

Wonder is one of the best books I’ve read this year. It follows a young boy named Auggie who has a face deformity that causes other children to scream in fear when he walks down the street. In order to protect him, his parents have home-schooled him until one day Auggie makes the brave decision to enroll into a public school in the 5th grade. It is here that Auggie must face his fear of rejection and being ostracized by his peers - but it also here where Auggie finds friendship, and people willing to stand up for him and by him. 

Wonder provides an opportunity to see how being extraordinary can come in all forms, even by ordinary people. It allows us to see how bravery can come from anyone, no matter the circumstance. It also shows us that it takes facing fear in order to see the best humanity has to offer. This book can be especially useful tool for parents and teachers to start conversations with students about bullying.

I recommend this book to both youth and adults. 

A reminder that no matter your age, you can always be extraordinary in your everyday life by not being afraid to be yourself and allowing others to do the same. 

About Wonder

August Pullman was born with a facial difference 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

About Elizabeth:

Believer that art has the power to make significant social change and that peppermint tea can always heal your tummy - Elizabeth Rossi is the Gallery Curator of LaCasa Azul Bookstore, she is also teaches painting classes and feminism.