Wonder by R J Palacio 315 pages 9780375869

So this is the juvenile book that was my absolute favorite this year. Auggie is about to start fifth grade after being homeschooled for years. He was born with major physical deformities. He has survived 27 reconstructive surgeries but can he survive the casual and intentional cruelties of middle school? His mother thinks that this is the moment to grab otherwise she fears he will never have a social life. His father disagrees but reluctantly agrees if Auggie is willing. His older sister has been fiercely protective of her brother, but doesn't want her classmates to find out that her brother is a freak. The kindly principal chooses three classmates to give Auggie the advance school tour prior to the beginning of school. One of the three becomes Auggie's persecutor making school hell for the tender soul. Despite the odds, Auggie thrives. This is a story of the lowest underdog that finds his place to shine and carries the rest of his class with him. It helps that he has a great teacher and a caring family. This debut novel is told in eight parts from various points of view of family members, classmates and Auggie. Wonder is simply wonderful.