Wonder, a book by R.J. Palacio tells us the story of August “Augie” Pullman. Augie was born with a facial deformity. The book allows us to see through the different eyes of the people around him and himself and their feelings as Augie goes to a school for the first time after being homeschooled for years.

I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse.

Here are my book highlights…

Audentes fortuna iuvat. (Fortune favors the bold.) —Virgil

The only reason I’m not ordinary is that no one else sees me that way.

WHEN GIVEN THE CHOICE BETWEEN BEING RIGHT OR BEING KIND, CHOOSE KIND.

That’s why your deeds are like your monuments. Built with memories instead of with stone.

If every single person in this room made it a rule that wherever you are, whenever you can, you will try to act a little kinder than is necessary—the world really would be a better place.

Kinder than is necessary.

Everyone in the world should get a standing ovation at least once in their life because we all overcometh the world.

Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as you ever can. —John Wesley’s Rule

The book is beautiful, simple yet so direct and beautiful. Reminds me a bit of Stargirl, though I didn’t like Stargirl as much I loved this one. It’s perfect for kids and for adults. It’s never late to learn something and a perfect way of teaching kids how to reach and how to be nice.