Friday, August 22, 2014

In a perfect world....

....there would be no stories such as this one to captivate our interest and attention.


The first novel written by R. J. Palacio was a #1 New York Times Bestseller.  It is easy to understand why.

August Pullman has been home schooled all his life, and he is entering the fifth grade, for the first time in a public school.  "Why is that such a captivating subject?" you may ask.  "After all, there are many similar children who go through the same experience."

Yes, there are.  You may actually know some of them, as I do.  However, August has a bit of a challenge.  He is one of those "1 in a million" chances to have been born with a serious facial irregularity, as well as other life-threatening concerns.  So, this book, though a work of fiction, describes some of the ordeals he faces. 

In Auggie's favor, thankfully, is his wonderfully supportive and loving family, and as the book progresses, we are able to witness not only his growth, but the growth of his classmates.  Do things go smoothly?  No!  Not at all, though with the help of those to whom Auggie's welfare is a genuine concern, fifth grade is completed on a very successful note!

This book comes from the United Methodist Women Reading List for 2014 and is listed in the Nurturing for Community category .  It would make a wonderful gift for a middle-schooler you might know, as it is listed as a Youth book.

Thank you for reading.  I really appreciate  your comments.

12 comments:

  1. This sounds like a very important book. Thank you for the recommendation. Have a fabulous Friday, Sister!

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  2. Nellie, That is an interesting book. I think kids need to know about birth defects. Some do not have a clue, this would be a good book for the teacher to read to the class...our 6th grade teacher read us a book , at the end of each day she would read 10-15 minutes. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

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  3. My granddaughter is going though so many changes right now, this sounds like a book she might be able to relate to, at least on a certain level, as she adapts to all those changes in her life.

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  4. This sounds like a book every youngster should read.

    Happy weekend!

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  5. How nice and what a interesting subject. It sounds like something I wish I had a couple of years ago.
    How are you today Nellie, I was thinking of you and I just had to come in and write.

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  6. Hello Nellie....

    So glad there are authors who write about difficult subjects such as the one in the book you described. Hope your weekend is good. Susan

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  7. Books have always helped me to relate to things. You're right, young adults would really gain something from reading this.

    Have a wonderful weekend!

    Leann

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  8. Hi Nellie , What a great book for kids . It will be on my list tomorrow . My kids is 1st through 7th grade / (boys 1st and 7 grade grade girls 5th and 6th grades ) This is a must read . Thanks so much for sharing this beautiful book with us . Have a great weekend . ;-D ~Nee~

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  9. Sounds like a good book for kids.

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  10. It would be difficult enough changing from a home schooling education to the public system alone, without the added burden of physical limitations.
    Sounds like it would be beneficial reading for all students.
    Hope all is well with you and your family Nellie. Betty

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  11. This book cover imitates the ones from A Clockwork Orange.

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