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Book of the Week: "Wonder"

"Wonder" by R.J. Palacio

A novel chosen by my book discussion that I wouldn't have picked up otherwise, didn't start out liking, but ended up being a pretty good read. It's from the young adult section and as expected, the main characters are middle school age, but the parents play an important role too.

The story is of a boy who up until this point, 10 years old and heading into 5th grade, has always been homeschooled, but not for the reason you might expect. He was born with a cleft palate combined with some other genetic facial deformities which even after multiple surgeries have left him with deformed facial features. And now, Mom and Dad have decided it is time for him to enter public school since 5th grade is the beginning of middle school and all the children are changing schools.

"Wonder" tells the stories of the challenges he faces, friends he has, makes, loses, and recovers. It also tells some of the stories of his sister and friends, how they each have their own story, their own experiences, and how they are each having their own struggles.





"Wonder" is a good story, and I will probably read it again, this time out loud to my 7 y/o daughter so we can talk about what it has to say about friendships and what it means to be a friend.

What are you reading?

Ann

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