WONDER

In getting ready for the film release on November 17th, I re-read WONDER by R.J. Palacio this weekend. Oh my goodness, I forgot how much I absolutely love this book.

I first heard about this book in 2012. Then I began putting this book on every reading list I made, and every book basket I created. Eventually I started leaving the book around different towns I would travel to: Sun Valley, Washington DC, New York, Boise, Portland and Munich to name a few. I absolutely love this book.

Reading WONDER again after 5 years, it moves me just as much if not more. It feels even more relevant than ever. I am so looking forward to my favorite characters coming to life on the big screen. I can't think of a more perfect Mr. Browne than Daveed Diggs!

My favorite quotes and scenes still make me cry:

“MR. BROWNE'S SEPTEMBER PRECEPT:
WHEN GIVEN THE CHOICE BETWEEN BEINGRIGHT OR BEING KIND, CHOOSE KIND.” ― R.J. Palacio, Wonder

“no, no, it's not all random, if it really was all random, the universe would abandon us completely. and the universe doesn't. it takes care of its most fragile creations in ways we can't see. like with parents who adore you blindly. and a big sister who feels guilty for being human over you. and a little gravelly-voiced kid whose friends have left him over you. and even a pink-haired girl who carries your picture in her wallet. maybe it is a lottery, but the universe makes it all even out in the end. the universe takes care of all its birds.” ― R.J. Palacio, Wonder 

“The best way to measure how much you've grown isn't by inches or the number of laps you can now run around the track, or even your grade point average-- though those things are important, to be sure. It's what you've done with your time, how you've chosen to spend your days, and whom you've touched this year. That, to me, is the greatest measure of success.” ― R.J. Palacio, Wonder 

“But I really believe, and Daddy really believes, that there are more good people on this earth than bad people, and the good people watch out for each other and take care of each other.” ― R.J. Palacio, Wonder 

If you haven't read this book yet, you need to read it ... then in November, go see the movie.
You'll be glad you did!

by any means necessary

If you are looking for a book that helps explain the times we live in, THE HATE YOU GIVE by Angie Thomas should be at the top of your list. If you're trying to explain "Black Lives Matter", the shootings of unarmed people of color, and racial bias in the criminal justice system - then THE HATE YOU GIVE is the perfect book for you.

The world that Starr Carter lives in is extremely complex. From her neighborhood to her relationships to her school life, Starr deftly bridges large divides without losing her identity.

My favorite pages:

pg 170-171, pg 320-321, and pg 442-444

"Once upon a time there was a hazel-eyed boy with dimples. I called him Khalil. The world called him thug."

Buy this book for all the teenagers you know this summer.