Wonder

Wonder (2012) by R.J. Palacio. Auggie Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to regular school -- until now. At the age of 10, his home-schooling is over and he's going to enter the fifth grade. Naturally, he's apprehensive -- he'll have to mix with "normal" kids and put up with the jibes of the mean ones. This book traces the story of his year in fifth grade -- meeting a few nice kids, dealing with bullies, trying to fit in. It's an uplifting tale, ultimately, and you may shed a few happy tears when Auggie finally triumphs. This book was written for a "young adult" audience, but really anyone can read it and gain satisfaction from it. Grade: A