Wonder / R. J. Palacio / 313 pages

Wonder has gotten a lot 'o book buzz love this year.  I think it deserves the fame.  Palacio writes about kindness, empathy and inclusion.  Auggie Pullman is homeschooled up until grade 5 because of all of his surgeries to correct his birth defect.  Wonder is the story of Auggie's first year in a private school, the reactions of the students, the anxiety of his family, and the bravery of one small boy.  What makes the book unique is how the author has written the story from various viewpoints:  Auggie's, his freshman sister Via, his mother, and the other students.  You will be a bit teary-eyed but in a happy way at the end of the book. Recommended for grades 4-7.  Great parent/child book to share.  Might also work in a book discussion.