White Bird

by R.J. Palacio

Scott County Library paperback 216 pages

Maud Hart Lovelace Award Nominee 2022-23

Published: 2019

Genre: YA graphic novel, historical fiction

This book was beautiful and compelling. Beginning in a modern day setting with a grandson calling his grandmère to ask about her experience in WWII, the novel touched on so much more than Nazis and the Holocaust. I love the way Palacio wove in themes of bullying, defending, bystanders, kindness, . . . 

It is well written and well illustrated. I may put this on my wish list! I do love how effectively graphic novels can tell stories.

Sara and Julien (aka "Tourteau" - the crab, due to the effects of polio on his legs) are classmates in France. Sara is Jewish; Julien is disabled. Sara's father wants to leave France in the 1930s, but her mother insists they are in the safe zone (under the Vichy government)  and they should wait and see. Alas, they wait too long. 

My favorite character is the teacher Mlle Petitjean. She was inspired by real life Daniel Trocmé, a schoolmaster and nephew of Reverend Trocmé, the inspiration for the character of Pastor Luc. 

This is a wonderful book and a great reminder to Never Forget!

Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories

by R.J. Palacio
Hennepin County Library hardcover 303 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction

Written as a companion book to Wonder (*not* a sequel), this book explores three young people whose lives intersected with Auggie's in some way.

Julian - the "bully" of Wonder - has an interesting back story. My favorite part was the scene with his grandma and his realization of a bigger picture. Great stuff! I also marked the page when Mr. Tushman talks to the three youngsters who are going to be Auggie's welcome buddies. As he leaves the room, Jack says, "I don't know what the heck karma is and I don't know what the heck mitzvah is!" Kids are so great at agreeing even when they don't comprehend!

The second story - Pluto - is about Auggie's childhood friend Christopher. There are some really poignant moments in the midst of Christopher's carelessness, selfishness, and cluelessness. His parents are divorcing. He wants to be in the jazz band with some older boys, but doesn't want to be cruel to the irritating younger kid. My favorite moment is when he wants to go back to the hospital to give his stuffed toy to the boy with the cleft palate who's all alone.

Shingaling is the third story, told from Charlotte's perspective. There's too much girl drama and friendship stuff, but it's definitely realistic. I tagged the part that says, "Funny how all our stories kind of intertwine. Every person's story weaves in and out of someone else's story." I love that! Human experience is full of individuals' stories, but they intertwine. Palacio is a gifted storyteller.

Wonder

by R.J. Palacio
PRMS hardcover 315 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction

I read this more than a week ago . . . and truly enjoyed it. I didn't cry as much as I expected to (based on other people's reviews), but it was definitely moving. August (Auggie) has a seriously deformed face but will be starting fifth grade at Beecher Prep school. His sister is also starting a new school and her life's story is intertwined with that of her little brother. Touching, sad, funny . . . this book is a worthwhile read for people of many ages!