From the Bookshelf of Baltimore County Public Library Summer Reading BCPL SRC …

Wonder (Wonder, #1)

R.J. Palacio

Discussion: 2014 summer reading

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2014 summer reading

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Jan 09, 2014 A Book Vacation rated it really liked it · review of another edition

To see my full review:

http://abookvacation.com/2014/02/20/r...

Auggie is “different,” but only on the outside. Since birth, he’s had a facial deformity that’s kept him secreted away within the confines of his own home, right where he wants to be. He’s been out in public, he’s dealt with the stares, he’s seen the horror in people’s expressions when they catch sight of him, and he’s witnessed his sister’s anger over other people’s uncouth nature. And he doesn’t like it. It much safer at home. It’s To see my full review:

http://abookvacation.com/2014/02/20/r...

Auggie is “different,” but only on the outside. Since birth, he’s had a facial deformity that’s kept him secreted away within the confines of his own home, right where he wants to be. He’s been out in public, he’s dealt with the stares, he’s seen the horror in people’s expressions when they catch sight of him, and he’s witnessed his sister’s anger over other people’s uncouth nature. And he doesn’t like it. It much safer at home. It’s much nicer, too, with his mother all to himself and a safety net to allow him to just be without the stigma that comes with his appearance. But all that changes as Auggie hits middle school, pushed into the main stream public school at the urging of his parents, even though he really doesn’t want to be there. And it seems, no one wants him there, either, aside from the principal.

Told through multiple perspectives, readers bare witness to the real pain that Auggie undergoes in one of the most unforgiving settings known to man in the United States: Middle School. A place where children pretend to be adults, looking to fit in and pulling anyone down they can as they strive to reach the top of the popular chain. A place Auggie has just entered against his own volition.

Extremely well written, readers hear the sides of all the major players, Auggie, his sister Olivia (Via), her boyfriend Justin, and Auggie’s best friend Jack, allowing us to learn the intricate thoughts and feelings of all the characters as they intertwine with one another. Their struggles are all very real, and while at times their thought process and actions enflame the reader, Palacio presents this novel as a true testament to the human race. Via finally enjoys anonymity at her new school, where no one associates her with her deformed brother and struggles with the idea of letting her new friends know of his existence. Auggie struggles to fit in, tired of the stares and the “plague” that seems to follow him throughout the school as he attempts to assimilate and loses the only friend he thought he had. Jack struggles to do what’s right, looking for friendships in the wrong places, finally being true to himself, and it’s just a beautiful compilation.

Overall, this novel is a great read for all ages–easy enough for MG readers and powerful enough that adults need to read it. ...more

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Apr 28, 2012 Laura rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2012, middle-grade

August Pullman was born with a genetic condition that resulted in multiple surgeries and a malformed face. After being homeschooled and sheltered for years, he begins 5th grade in a new private middle school. Wonder tells about his adjustment to school and the beginnings of read life. I especially liked that the narrative voice shifted to his friends, his sister, and other important characters. My only beef with the book is that the 'bad guy' is a bit one-dimensional and that the final conflict ...more

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Mar 03, 2014 Franklin Park Public Library rated it really liked it

Shelves: staff-pick-of-the-week, joyce-s-shelf

Parents looking for a good book to share with their upper elementary and middle school children, look no further. Wonder is a great story about courage, empathy, and the power of kindness. Ten-year-old Auggie was born with severe facial abnormalities. After years of being homeschooled, Auggie's parents decided it was time for him to attend a regular school. As expected, Auggie experiences the frightening world of middle school: bullies, bystanders, and the unsuspecting teachers. But he also mana ...more

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Aug 05, 2013 Theresa rated it it was amazing

I do not give 5 stars to many books, but this one rates 5 stars from me. Auggie has severe facial deformities and is going to school for the first time in 5th grade. He is most apprehensive and it is tough for him at the beginning. The school has asked a few students to befriend him, and some work out better than others. By the end of this book, you will be cheering and crying with joy for Auggie, the child who is so brave through all the bullying. This may be written for 8-12 year olds but it i ...more

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