I'll admit it. I'm a librarian who judges a book by it's cover. It's no surprise then that when I saw the back cover the new release Wonder, by Palacio, I had to get my hands on it. (you'll see why.) When I finally did, I couldn't put down. It's about a home-schooled fifth grade boy named August who is suffering from a very rare genetic disorder. He has severely deformed face. He is starting school for the first time. Middle school...with a deformed face. Need I say more? Palacio "goes there" when it comes to the meanness of people, and not just the kids. Heart breaking at times, and hard to read (especially for a parent), there is true wonder in this story, and that wonder is August himself. Wonder is a YA novel (I read lots of those too) and I'm not sure it needs to be. This is an "everyone" novel. An unforgettable book. I will wonder what happens to August for a long time to come... I saw this Peanuts comic going viral on Facebook this week and I simply loved it. I'm a huge fan of the Peanuts and the finesse with which Mr. Schultz seemed to capture the essence of childhood. With all the chatter about ebooks and the future of libraries, it's this comic that reassures me. Where else can a person, regardless of age, race, income, religion obtain a true feeling of empowerment and independence like at our public libraries? It is access to our worlds, both real and imaginary.
I am privileged to see these glimpses of self liberation ever single day in my career. And it is no more authentic than when it's in the expression of a child taking out THEIR first book. It's truly a rewarding experience. I am a lucky librarian. :). Now go get a book!! |
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