313 pages
"August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school--until now. He's about to enter fifth grade at Beecher Prep, and if you've ever been the new kid, then you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, despite appearances?" -Dust Jacket
I finished reading this book last night to my 10- and 8-year-olds. I asked them what they thought about it. They both said, "In the beginning no one was nice to Auggie, but in the end they were all friends." I think that sums up the beauty of this book. Auggie is the wonder referenced in the title. His personality is contagious.
This time around I was struck by the social bravery of Summer and Jack. They are Auggie's first friends, especially Summer. Summer does not listen to or worry about what the rest of the kids are saying and sits by Auggie at lunch because she wants to. Although Jack caves to the pressure one time, in the end he's Auggie's most loyal friend. I hope my girls are that kind of friend, the kind that judges a person based on character and not appearance.
Whenever anyone asks me for a book recommendation, this is always my first response. I love this book so much. I tell people it's a book about kindness and the world needs more kindness. It is a literary gem.
**The second time around I noticed that there are a few "Oh my G--" phrases in this book. Because I read this out loud I just changed those for my kids.
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