"Wonder" lives up to its name

I usually don't read too many young adult novels, but I heard so many good things about R.J. Palacio's Wonder, I decided to pick it up and give it a try. Wow, am I glad I did.

Order it here: http://www.amazon.com/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=higmeasch-20

Wonder is about a ten-year-old boy, Auggie, who was born with a severe facial deformity. The story begins as Auggie and his parents are contemplating sending him to school for the first time in his life (he had been home schooled up to that point). They are conflicted about the decision, as Auggie is uncertain about how he will be received in his new (independent) school. Somewhat predictably, school life isn't exactly easy for Auggie. But it's not exactly terrible either; he experiences some profound moments and empathetic people that have a lasting, positive effect on him.

What keeps this story from being a hokey cliche is the strength--and imperfection--of its main characters. Auggie's story is told by several people, including his sister, her boyfriend, a classmate, and Auggie himself. These perspectives honor the true complexity of life and the difficult realities it presents.

The pacing is fast, the chapters are short. I would recommend it to fourth graders and above--though there is nothing objectionable for younger readers, the book's themes are pretty sophisticated. And it is very emotional--laughter and tears alternate from paragraph to paragraph. And for you grown-ups, you are missing out if you don't read this book.

Wonder is ultimately about acceptance, empathy, compassion, and courage--the same values we teach explicitly at High Meadows. Our Positive Discipline program focuses on children finding belonging and significance, which is really what Auggie's journey is about. In fact, we are all on that same path.