Choose Kind--a review of WONDER by R.J. Palacio

Auggie is hideously ugly.

I’d tell you how, but it would ruin the book for you.  Let’s just say people sometimes audibly gasp when they look at him.  He’s used to it.  But, it’s still hard on him when he goes to school for the first time ever, and middle school at that.  As his sister’s boyfriend says, “Middle School is just about as tough as it gets.”  Will he ever make any friends who see him for the really, rather normal boy that he actually is, despite his appearance?  This is a coming of age story, not only for Auggie, but for the other characters in the book as well, which really gives the reader a memorable wallop.  Auggie might be ugly, but Wonder is a beautiful book.

Palacio uses many voices to tell Auggie’s story, and it works because she does it well.  In a soft, subtle, but definite shift, she creates a montage-effect with each voice leaving the story a little bit further ahead than where the last person left off.  More than her story-telling skill, I appreciated the “message” of the book.  Choose kind.  See humanity in the world around you.  Choose to be more than kind sometimes, go out of your way to do it.  I just watched the viral video of some middle school kids bullying a bus monitor yesterday, so this message renewed some of my hope.  At least in books, people really can be kind.  The deal is, though, that sometimes this type of message gets schmaltzy and downright preachy, so it’s easy for young readers to tune it out.  I think that’s where this book will differ.  Just when it’s getting too preachy, the voices change and the narrative barrels forward.  I would love to try this as a read-aloud with a fifth or sixth grade class to see their reaction.  It would make a good companion to Mockingbird, So B. It, Freak the Mighty, or any other novel that teaches us how to get along.  It's definite summer reading.  You won't be able to put it down.

Rating: 5 tissues.

Selected Awards and Reviews

No awards yet because the book is so new, but it will get some.  Mark my words. 

"Palacio's novel feels not only effortless but downright graceful, and by the stand-up-and-cheer conclusion, readers will be doing just that, and feeling as if they are part of this troubled but ultimately warm-hearted community"—Daniel Kraus, Booklist, 02/12

"Few first novels pack more of a punch: it's a rare story with the power to open eyes-and hearts-to what it's like to be singled out for a difference you can't control, when all you want is to be just another face in the crowd."—PW Annex Reviews, 02/12 


Check it out on Amazon--incredible buzz and a nice book trailer, too!
Author's Website

One Choice Can Transform You--a review of DIVERGENT by Veronica Roth

Would you be able to leave your home and all you knew behind to start a new life with strangers?  That’s what 16 year old Beatrice does.  After taking her aptitude test “Tris” leaves Abnegation for the Dauntless faction in future dystopian Chicago, to prove to herself that she is fearless.  During her brutal initiation, she discovers that the Dauntless, as well as her former faction, Abnegation, have enemies among the 5 factions, primarily Erudite.  Will Tris be able to survive her Dauntless initiation?  Can a 16 year old girl save the world as she knows it?

For all my young ladies who liked Twilight, this book is for you (Roth’s writing is a bit better than Meyer’s—less schmaltzy). For all my guys who liked the Hunger Games, this book is for you (Collins is a bit of a better writer, but Roth’s story is still interesting). I’m not going to give you any spoilers, but I will tell you that this book has just the right blend of action and romance to keep you reading. I got lost in the vaguely familiar world of the book , and I only put it down when I was so sleepy my eyes wouldn’t stay open. A few warnings, though. There is some pretty graphic violence involved, as the Dauntless must face fears of all kind—physical and psychological—so don’t read this if you’re squeamish or emotionally troubled.

The series itself is part of a genius marketing scheme. I scanned the QR code on the back of the book, and found book trailers and an interview with the author (who is, by the way, a new author). The Bonus Materials in the back of the book include a Divergent play list (nice!) and a Cosmo-like quiz on “What Faction Are You?” which was lots of fun.

This is another one I won’t be able to put in the library because it’s too hot to handle here in Kuwait (and that’s saying a lot because it’s very hot here), but I’m sure going to read the rest of them. Divergent was a great choice for my first summer read. The sequel, Insurgent, is definitely going on my summer list.

Awards and Reviews

Best Book of the Year—School Library Journal

Best Fiction for Young Adults—YALSA

Best Children’s Books—Publisher’s Weekly

Black Eyed Susan Book Award

“There is no doubt readers will respond to the gutsy action and romance of this umpteenth spin on Brave New World”—Daniel Kraus, Booklist, March 2011

“For those who loved The Hunger Games and are willing to brave the sometimes sadistic tests of strength and courage Tris must endure, the reward is a memorable, unpredictable journey from which it is nearly impossible to turn away.”—Publisher’s Weekly, February 2011

Vital Stats 

Roth, Veronica (2011). Divergent. New York: Katherine Tegen Books. ISBN 0062024027.