Wonder by R.J. Palacio

I will preface this by mentioning that Wonder is YAL (Young Adult Literature), which as an English teacher I like to read. The good stuff, that is. I've found that the right YAL can really open students to reading more, and that is of course my goal!

Wonder is a really great book. Its audience level could be anywhere from 5th grade to adult, which is pretty amazing for any novel. I've already recommended this novel to the other two English teachers at my school, thinking they may be able to use it in their classrooms. As for me, it will be taking a place in my independent reading cabinet for anyone to borrow.

The main character in Wonder is August. He is a fifth grader, but he has been home-schooled up until now because of his facial deformities. His brain works perfectly fine; however, the judgement he receives from others is hard to bear, for him, his family, and the reader. We follow August through his first year of private school. That alone would probably be interesting, but the narrator changes throughout the novel. We get to read from his sister's perspective, her boyfriend, August's best friend, and more. The change in perspective is pretty eye-opening, and it's one thing that would make this a great book in the classroom.

One thing I like about this book is that while the ending is redemptive, it's not a Full House type of ending. Everything is not shiny and fixed at the end. It's heartwarming but realistic. I give this book a 9 out of 10. If you enjoy YAL, read it!