Wonder / R. J. Palacio

No matter how hard you try, sometimes you just can't blend in.

'Wonder' is a fantastic book about a courageous little boy call August. August has a severe facial abnormality, which he has battled with all his life. During this book, we join August as he enrolls in his first ever school and faces the challenges of social life with others. There are both ups and downs in this book as you truly feel a growing connection with August and his family. The book succeeds to make you laugh and cry, as our hero is smart, funny and persevering - even when times are hard. Most of this book is written from August's point of view, but occasionally another character comes in to give their side of the story, which gives a whole new dimension to the book. 'Wonder' makes you feel guilty too, about how we are all so lucky to have something so simple. The most emotional part of the book is when August asks his mum 'Why do I have to be ugly?'
No matter how hard you try, sometimes you just can't blend in.

Klara Inman-Barnes