R. J. Palacio: Wonder (2016)
English language
Published Dec. 30, 2016
August Pullman was born with a facial deformity that, up until now, prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid -- but his classmates can't get past Auggie's extraordinary face. Wonder begins from Auggie's point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community's struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance.
Solid feel-good story with incredibly short chapters and several perspectives. There are a few unanswered questions, and the last major incident a little too convenient, but overall this is a 4 star read. My daughter thinks 4.5 stars; I mostly agree, but round down. My favorite part was the precepts.
The author has released add-on stories, the first as an ebook which I am reading now.
