Parent/Child Book Club: Wonder

 

Wonder
by R.J. Palacio
Alfred A. Knopf, 2012, Intermediate Fiction, 315p.
August is a boy with a major deformity of his face.  He has never attended school, mostly because he had been in and out of the hospital since he was born, having undergone more than two dozen reconstructive surgeries. Finally, at age 11, he is strong enough to try school.  At first he is very nervous.  His face is so misshapen that is sometimes scares people.  His class mates at school do not know what to think of him and are afraid to even touch him.  But a few of the children reach out to Auggie, and over the school year his courage inspires admiration and friendship from his peers.

This was our Parent/Child Book Club title for October.  I had read it when it first came out in 2012 and I was so glad to read it again.  I really think it is one of the best books written for children in the last decade.  The characters feel completely authentic and the boy, Auggie, and his family are so likable   The story doesn't candy coat things.  It shows how painful it can be to be "not normal" and how people can be cruel both intentionally and unintentionally. Although the book is honest, it is not a big downer.  The overall tone is upbeat and the author portrays those kids who are willing to overlook Auggie's disfigurement as real heroes.  Even if you have seen the movie, do yourself a favor and read the book.