Wonder follows ten-year-old August Pullman who has severe facial deformities. August has been home-schooled by his mother, up until now when his parents suggest he start the 5th Grade at Beecher Prep. Of course, he has the same concerns as other children who are starting school: Will the other children like me? Will I make friends? Or will I be the odd one out? The main problem for August is that others refuse to see past his deformity to the wonderful personality that lies beneath.
I first read this book last April, and feel it is not only a wonderful first novel by the author, but such an important and accessible story for students (gr 4 and up). There are so many incredibly important stories out there, but I always celebrate new publications that can reach children effortlessly — this is one of those books. This book beautifully expresses how important and possible it is to be “kinder than necessary”. As Principal Tushman states in the book, “Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings, and propel us, on occasion, to greatness.”
This book had me laughing, crying and then laughing again, within the span of a few pages. I urge you to not only choose this book, but to also always CHOOSE KIND.
Go to the website below to learn more about the “Pledge to choose KIND.”
~Yours in reading,
Mrs. LeMay
