December book recommendations

The release of the film ‘Wonder’ has happily coincided with my updated recommended reading lists (which you can view on the Libray page of our website). I simply couldn’t resist adding the book by R. J. Palacio to the list for KS4 – although it is suitable for Years 7 and 8 too (and adults!) as it is so thought provoking. I have read it at least three times myself.

The book tells the tale of August Pullman, a 10 year old boy with major facial disfigurement who leaves the comfort of home education to attend ‘real school’. We join him on his journey as he makes friends (and enemies), deals with bullies and meets the daily challenge of lessons, homework, lunch and the occasional school trip. It sounds simplistic, but Auggie’s story is an inspiring and emotional one.

As the story is set in America, some readers may struggle with some of the language and should prepare to come across ‘home rooms’, ‘electives’ and ‘sidewalks’, but they should persist – it is worth it.

Ultimately, this is a wonderful heart-warming book, although it isn’t a book to celebrate Christmas – unless you count two pages in the short chapter ‘Seasons Greetings’. However, I suspect it will be widely gifted and read over the next few weeks.

Happy reading!