I recently finished the book Wonder by Raquel J. Palacio. It’s about August, who is no ordinary boy -- in appearance or in personality. People are afraid of August because of how he looks, and August has seen the disgusted faces of other students and heard their whispers about him. That’s what’s stopping August from going to school until the summer before middle school. At first, when his parents encourage him to start the new school year, he flatly refuses. As always, his parents let him have his way but August’s sister, Olivia, is not as compliant. Finally, after a long argument with Olivia, he decides to school -- as long as he can quit when he wants.
Will August go to school for the whole year or will he quit right away? Will he make new friends or will the students treat him like a freak? Will he be able to keep up academically? Will August like school?
Read this funny yet touching novel to find out. You will turn pages late into the night to find out what happens. You’ll not only follow August through this new experience but, as the points of view switch from person to person, you’ll get to know August’s sister, her boyfriend, and August’s friend.