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Wonder (Wonder #1) by R.J. Palacio

"This book and its beautiful message truly is a wonder. Palacio pulls at all of your heartstrings but you're smiling admist the tears. It's one of those books that will stay with you long after you've finished it." 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pros: Happy tears, sad tears, there were many moments in this book that had me choking up/Auggie was a funny kid and sharp as a tack. 

Cons: It felt like everyone was always yelling at each other, even when they were just talking, it just seemed odd. 

Full Review: 

Born with an extremely rare genetic condition, August (Auggie) Pullman looks very different from everyone else. He's had about 30 surgeries on his face and he's only 10 years old. His parents are always telling him how strong and brave he is and he's willing to believe them. That is, until they drop a bombshell and he's really not sure if he can handle it. 

They think it's a good idea for him to start going to public school this year.  

Unbeknownst to him, he's already taken and aced the admittance test for Beecher Prep. And though he's hesitant and frankly, terrified, he does it. He starts school and much to his own surprise actually likes it. And he even manages to make friends. Jack, who was one of the kids who gave him a tour of the school and Summer, a girl who sits with him at lunch. 

Over the course of a year, we get to watch as Auggie's entire world shifts and Palacio writes with grace and ease, effortlessly switching POVs from Via (Auggie's sister) to Jack, to Summer and beyond. 

This is one of those books that simply has to be read to be fully appreciated. There were some real hard-hitting moments, moments that got me right in the feels but they just made the book all the better. This book will stay with me and I wouldn't have it any other way. 

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