WONDER

Did you ever read a book that was so good, you slowed it down, you put it down because you didn't want it to end?

The last book I remember making me feel that way was Sherman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.  Before that, I think Karen Hesse's Out of the Dust swept me away like that.

I've had that experience again.  I've read a book that not only delved deeply into the characters and their relationships, but transcended them and touched on our larger humanity, our inner-connectedness.  This book told the truth in a universal way.  It let us in on sweet bravery and the power of kindness.  It was filled with hope and love.

That book is WONDER by P.J. Palacio.

WONDER's ripples will spread beyond the realm of children's literature to the larger world.  I hope it wins the Newbery Medal.  (Read more at this NPR interview.)

And The WINNERS Are . . .

THANK YOU to the 29 teachers, media specialists and librarians who entered the Welcome Back to School Contest!

Because each of you shared a favorite middle grade or young adult title in the comment section, we all have a great list of books to look forward to reading.

Now, onto the good stuff . . .

The winners of personally autographed hardcover copies of HOW TO SURVIVE MIDDLE SCHOOL are:


1) SUSAN, whose favorite book is OUT OF THE DUST by Karen Hesse.

2) LIBRARY GIRL, whose favorite book is WALK TWO MOONS by Sharon Creech


And the winner of the GRAND PRIZE of an autographed hardcover copy of HOW TO SURVIVE MIDDLE SCHOOL, autographed paperback copy of AS IF BEING 12 3/4 ISN'T BAD ENOUGH, MY MOTHER IS RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT! and a SKYPE visit is . . .

3) JEN MALPHY, whose favorite book is AL CAPONE DOES MY SHIRTS by Gennifer Choldenko.

Winners, please contact me ASAP at dgep (at) hotmail (dot) com to claim your prizes.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!