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.)
