Every year around February the city of Santa Monica has what is known as a city wide read. What this means is that the city library host city wide discussion groups centered around a book chosen by a committee. Each year the book chosen is centered on a major issue, it seems.
This year the city of Santa Monica is reading and discussing Wonder. It is a young adult book and the issue is acceptance.
The main character is a ten year old, August, who has been born with a cleft palate. Now he is going to enter fifth grade and is being sent to a school with other children. Formerly he has been home schooled.
His daily struggle to accept himself and have others accept him is the main story.
“My name is August, by the way. I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse.” is how he starts it out.
Structure wise it is in eight parts and seven voices. All are in first person. The one year is the time period covered.
Palacio handles the characters well. They are believable.
I recommend it be read by all. It is not just for young adults.
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