Wonder by R.J. Palacio

One of the most talked-about books of the year, Wonder is by first-time author R.J.Palacio.  It is a beautiful coming-of-age story that introduces readers to the remarkable August Pullman.
 

 August Pullman was born with not just one, but several rare genetic diseases. As a result, he has multiple facial deformities.  After years of surgeries that prevented him from attending school, Auggie and his family decide it's time for him to enroll at the prestigious Beecher Prep Middle School.  Afraid of how the other children will react to his face, Auggie is helped through his fifth-grade year by his parents, his sister, and his beloved dog, Daisy.  Along the way, he learns the painful lessons of being "different" in middle school.  But Auggie really is a wonder, and manages to make true friendships and teach the community some lessons of his own along the way.

One thing I really liked about Wonder is that the story is told from different perspectives: each section of the novel is narrated by a different character.   And it's the characters that really make the story so strong: all are very realistic, relatable (yet flawed) human beings. 

Be prepared: this is a tear-jerker, and it packs quite an emotional punch at the end.  But the tone isn't heavy-handed at all; in fact, it's quite breezy at times.   Everything about this book rings true, from the characters to the family interactions to the middle-school dramas (real and imagined).   Ultimately, Wonder is an uplifting and inspiring story about bullying, acceptance, and inner-strength with a truly wonderful hero, Auggie Pullman.  You'll never forget him.

Have you met Auggie?  What did you think of his story?  

Ages 10 and up.