—
Librarians and book enthusiasts around the country are gearing up to find out the winner of the 2013 Newbery Medal, given to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. The award will be announced on Monday at the American Library Association’s midwinter meeting.
There has been much speculation about which book will win this year, but one that keeps popping up on mock Newbery lists across the country is R.J. Palacio’s “Wonder.”
Essentially, “Wonder” is the story of August (Auggie) Pullman’s fifth-grade year, however, it is so much more. I was lucky enough to read it early in 2012 right after it was released, and I immediately thought, “Wow! This is definitely a Newbery contender.”
In many ways, Auggie is like most other fifth-graders — he likes to play Xbox, he has a pet dog, and he is passionate about Star Wars. Physically, however, he is extremely different. Sadly, this difference is completely beyond Auggie’s control, because he was born with a severe facial deformity.
It affects almost all areas of his life. Two major areas include going to school and making friends. Previously, Auggie was home-schooled; not because of his appearance, but because he had to undergo numerous surgeries and therapies that prevented him from having a regular schedule. Not going to school has limited his ability to socialize and navigate the outside world, so before his fifth-grade school year begins, his parents decide — after much soul-searching and debate — that he should attend Beecher Prep Middle School.
Middle school can be hard even under the best of circumstances, but it is especially challenging for Auggie. He wants nothing more than to be treated like everyone else, but it is difficult for most of his fellow students to get past his physical imperfections.
Though hard to stomach at times, this is one title that everyone — children, teens and adults — should read. It is amazing! Auggie is a rare gem readers will be hard-pressed to forget.
Do not miss one of the best books of 2012, regardless if it snags the shiny Newbery Medal. Join Auggie and his family and friends as they discover what one boy’s courage can accomplish during the course of a school year.
Jeana Gockley is the children’s librarian at Joplin Public Library.
Globe Life
Related Photos
-
Globe file
Discussion
Jeana Gockley: 'Wonder' a winner, medal or not
- Globe Life
-
-
Bearing down: Carl Junction woman has passion for bear hunting
Born and raised in Joplin, Mitchell graduated from Joplin High School in 1963. For 35 years, she has been self-employed as a real estate developer. Seventeen years ago, her husband, Steve, a bowhunter, introduced her to hunting.
-
Ryan Richardson: Appliances complicit in dog-hair problem
Despite missing having her here, her absence has given me an opportunity to clean up the small messes that have been accumulating since she has been gone. I've also given myself the opportunity to evaluate what has and has not worked in such a small living space.
-
Phyllis Seesengood: 'Six Years' fast-paced, suspenseful
Harlan Coben is a superb suspense writer who has written an intense thriller/love story, although I personally think he should stick with the thrillers and leave the romances to romance writers.
-
Frankie Meyer: Website offers digitized newspapers
Newspapers are a great source of info for genealogists. Obituaries are especially helpful, as are articles about major events that occurred in the areas where ancestors lived.
-
Frankie Meyer: Rubbings of graves can work better than photos
When compiling family history, researchers invariably become intrigued with gravestones, which are one of the best sources of family information.
-
Jacque Gage: Book celebrates past photos, warns about future
The book is strangely compelling, titled "Talking Pictures: Images and Messages Rescued from the Past." It is by Ransom Riggs, author of the New York Times bestseller, "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children".
-
Ryan Richardson: Readers share their own summer advice
Only here can we have a long winter segue straight into a balmy summer. Between the torrential rains and the highs already flirting with the upper 80s, I’m convinced that this summer is going to be a mix of everything.
-
Founder of Souls Harbor returns to her ministry after 20-year absence
After helping husband Art Jones found Souls Harbor more than 31 years ago, Georgia Jones has come full circle and returned to lead the mission that serves the homeless and needy in the Joplin area.
-
Ryan Richardson: Time apart tough for pets and owners
Since I became a Joplin resident over nine months ago, I have had my dog, Cami, with me the whole time. We've explored trails, survived thunderstorms, slept on the couch and had some epic belly rubs.
-
Frankie Meyer: Research collections can disappear after death
When researching family history, genealogists collect many reference books, pamphlets, documents and photos. What will happen to your cherished items after your death? Unless you make your wishes known, those items could be tossed or sold at a flea market by unknowing relatives or friends.
- More Globe Life Headlines
-
RAW: NSA Director Says 50 Plots Foiled
Boeing, Airbus Battle for Sales Supremacy
NYC 911 Call Lasts for 8 Hours
Obama: US Has Helped Syrian Rebels
Afghan Forces Take Afghanistan Security Lead
Raw: 100K Protesters Flood Brazilian Streets
California Cops Cruise on Stand-up Paddle Patrol
Transgender Candidate Running in NYC
Obama: NSA Secret Data Gathering 'Transparent'
Man Who Disrupted Flight Ranted About CIA
Feds: 7-Eleven Stores Exploited Immigrants
Fla. Teen Catches Ride With Whale Shark
Iran's Rowhani Urges 'Path of Moderation'
Investigators Probe Origin of Colo. Wildfire
Ex-NFL Star Chad Johnson Out of Jail
Family Tweets Say Kim Kardashian Gives Birth
