Review: Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Auggie was born with a facial deformity. He has gone through countless surgeries and is the center of his family. But now, after being home schooled his entire life must begin attending public school.What will people think of him? How will he make any friends? This book provides a very realistic image of what it is like to live with a chronic condition. Especially one that is visible and cannot be hidden. Wonder covers family dynamics, sibling rivalries, friendships, hardships, and bullying and so much more . It doesn’t shy away from the difficulties associated with a chronic condition, but also shows the beauty in our differences. This book is a must read for everyone. It helps someone without a chronic condition to gain a better understanding of what it is like for those who do have one and it allows for those children with a chronic condition to feel seen.

Resources:

R. J. Palacio discusses Wonder. https://youtu.be/Hh5qbE62IyY

A list of activities and lessons to go along with the book and/or movie. Great for teachers and parents who homeschool. https://homeschoolsuperfreak.com/wonder-lesson-plans-book-movie/

Review: Good Enough by Jen Petri-Roy

Review: Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell & David Catrow

Molly Lou Melon is too short, her teeth are too big, and her voice is not like everyone else’s. The good news is she lives with her Grandma who always reminds her to stand tall, smile big, and sing loudly. But, what happens when Molly Lou Melon must move and switch schools? What will her new classmates think of her? Molly Lou Melon learns that she has to use her differences to her advantage as they differentiate her from everyone else. This award-winning book is a super reminder to show off what you have and that it is okay to look different compared to your peers. The artwork is very well done adding perspective to this heartwarming story. Great for the reader who is self conscious, worried, or might may look or sound different than others and are concerned about what others might think. A great reminder to love yourself for who you are!

Resources:

A lesson plan provided by Scholastic for teachers or parents to use along with this book. https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plans/teaching-content/stand-tall-molly-lou-melon-lesson-plan/

Interviews with Patty Lovell & David Catrow. http://www.judynewmanatscholastic.com/blog/2021/02/author-interview-video-patty-lovell-david-catrow/

Review: Freckleface Strawberry by Julianne Moore & LeUyen Pham

This New-York Times bestseller features a young girl that is just like everyone else. Except for her red hair and freckles. Her classmates call her “freckleface strawberry”, so in an effort to be like her classmates she decides to try to get rid of her freckles. Nothing works for this young girl except covering them up with a ski mask. An unexpected friend helps her realize that she should love herself for who she is. As soon as she accepts herself she learns the reason behind her nickname and her classmates prove themselves as great friends. This book uses great illustrations and shows how many children feel different, especially when they are younger. They also view “different” with more of a negative connotation. Great for the reader who feels isolated from everyone they know, to learn to love themselves just as they are. Chances are many of their insecurities are reasons others adore and love them.  

Resources:

Transcript from a interview the author, Julianne Moore, did: https://www.readingrockets.org/books/interviews/moore/transcript

Different lesson plans that can be used to help teach this book: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Browse/Search:freckleface%20strawberry