BOOK REVIEW-WONDER I had heard a lot of hype about this middle-grade book, and even more about the movie. It's an interesting story and one that certainly engenders empathy in the reader regarding how we stand in society. For me, it's easy to see how somebody who is different can be treated so badly by their peers and others. As an author, I write for this age group, and I try to get across the message of treating others the way we would like to be treated, and not to be judgmental. Put yourself in the other person's shoes. However, I also work with kids in this age group, and I have seen how cruel they can be to others, often without reason. I would like to think that any child with any sort of disability or impediment to life can be encouraged to be resilient, to ignore the taunts and to rise above the stream and not drown. Our outward appearance has absolutely nothing to do with the people we are. I did enjoy this novel, and it is thought-provoking. What I didn't like was the constantly changing POV. I would much rather have Auggie relate his tale throughout than switching from him to his sister, then to his friend, then to others, and back again. As a relatively new author, I constantly read advice to the opposite: don't change POV unless you are really skilled at it. Supposedly it throws many readers off the storyline, and I can understand why. I know this is only my opinion, and others will differ. That's fine-everybody is entitled to their opinion as an individual. I have no desire to see the movie (the producers and directors always change everything anyway, and I never enjoy the movie as much as the book.) My hope is that children who struggle in one way or another can be encouraged to stand firm, to believe in themselves and not give sway. I recommend this book to be read, and in that way, everyone can form their own opinion. A great resource for teachers to have in the classroom as a novel to be read and studied for discussion and to provide a vehicle for interactive thought on the issue of equality. I like Auggie's stoic character and quiet resilience, which is often the opposite way to which the world tells us to behave. No anger, no retaliation, just acceptance and getting on with the job of life, doing the best that you can.