Book Two: Wonder

So, book two of #50BookPledge is done! And this read is absolutely fantastic!

Mini Summary: Wonder, by R. J. Palacio, is about a young boy's journey through grade 5. This is August's first year of school, ever. His life is extraordinary. August was born with a facial deformity that resulted in many years of surgery and recovery and, therefore, homeschooling. August's mom and dad decide that it is the right time for him to attend school. The story is August's trials and successes as he journeys through his first year of middle school.

Musing: I am surprised to learn that this is Palacio's first novel. Her writing is WONDERful. I appreciate the way that she writes from the perspectives of young people. Many author's lack the ability to do this effectively. Palacio's writing seems true to the way that kids talk to and relate to other kids and adults. Her writing also seems to reflect the way that kids experience their day to day lives.

I like how Palacio offers different perspectives in this novel. She not only writes from August's perspective but from his sister, Olivia's perspective, as well as a number of other kids who are a part of August's and/or Olivia's story.

I further appreciate how the story is not always sugar coated. Real things happen to August and they are not always pretty. Bullies exist in reality and in this story. People are not always kind in real life and they are not always kind in this story. Discomfort is expressed and felt by the characters and reader alike. But the best part of this book is the author's ability to rise above bullies, meanness, and discomfort and help the characters and the reader to recognise a couple of important things: simple acts of kindness can have big and important results and friendship can be found in unexpected places. 

Wonder is an honest book.

Thank you Palacio. I truly hope that this is not your last novel.