Beastmomma

From goodreads: 

August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school—until now. He's about to start 5th 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?

Pages: 315 (hardback) 

Publisher: Published February 14th 2012 by Knopf

Rating: 10 out of 10

Source: Checked out of library

Date Completed: February 13, 2014

I first heard about Wonder by R.J. Palacio while listening to NPR; it was the September selection for the NPR Backseat book club which is a book club for young readers.  I was immediately taken with the story's premise and then really loved the author interview.  I also really enjoyed the passages of the book being read by fifth graders. Even though we did not select it for our book club, I was excited to read it and LOVED the characters and the story. 

Besides Auggie, my favorite character is Summer. She is warm, funny, and kind.  The book captures the complexity of middle school really well; in particular, the struggle to fit in while doing right by your fellow humans. Many of the scenes made me cry; I was especially moved by the lunch room image of Auggie sitting by himself. I was brought back to the anxiety and worry of having someone to sit with at lunch.   I also keep thinking about the emperor's guard chapter which makes me want to high-five humanity.  I did love Auggie's voice, but I was glad that we got to have the perspective of other characters as well.