I recently bought a slew of books that have garnered excellent reviews for my kids.  Since they have been devouring them, I figured I should too.  This is my first of a handful of these reviews.

Goodreads Summary:

August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school—until now. He’s about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, and if you’ve ever been the new kid then you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie’s just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he’s just like them, despite appearances?

R. J. Palacio has written a spare, warm, uplifting story that will have readers laughing one minute and wiping away tears the next. With wonderfully realistic family interactions (flawed, but loving), lively school scenes, and short chapters, Wonder is accessible to readers of all levels.





My Take:

This book is funny, real, heartwarming, and it tackles issues all kids deal with at school — even though most kids’ “deformities” aren’t as visible as Auggie’s.

The reader’s first insight into the extent of Auggie’s deformities is this:

“I won’t describe what I look like.  Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse.”

My 12-year-old son enjoyed and was moved by it.  I’m confident that it will “speak” to my 10-year-old daughter on her level as well.

I loved it.  Highly recommend.