Wonder by: R.J. Palacio
This book is about Auggie Pullman, a 5th grader, born with extreme facial abnormalities. This is a realistic fiction book that is character driven. The descriptive language really tells you how Auggie feels and how Auggie affected the other characters lives. This book is an inspiration to all who has had to deal with a medical, physical, or mental issue. A must read for middle schoolers and even adults!
Apothecary by: Maile Meloy
This book is about 14 year old Janie who moves from the U.S. to London during the 1950's because her parents are black listed during the Cold War. The Apothecary is plot driven with magic, romance, mystery and historical fiction. This storyline will grab your attention so much that you feel like you are part of the story!
I used Novelist K-8 Plus to find a couple of title read-alikes for Wonder. There was a list with 9 titles but 2 of them looked like they might be of interest to you.
ReplyDeleteThe first is Firegirl by Tony Abbott. Novelist recommends this title because it is also about middle schoolers who suffer from disfigurements. The characters in Firegirl also
"learn that kindness and friendship transcend outward beauty."
The second book I think you might enjoy is Rules by Cynthia Lord. Rules is told from the point of view of a girl who has a younger brother with autism. The treatment of her feelings and her relationship with her brother seem very realistic. Having read both Wonder and Rules myself, I can attest to the fact that both titles have a similar "feel."
If You Like Wonder - Firegirl by Tony Abbott may appeal to you. This realistic fiction story about coming of age and is character driven.
ReplyDeleteHi Jen! Here is another suggestion for you. Please let me know what you think :-) Maybe you already read it? Sue
ReplyDeleteInside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai
Ha is a young Vietnamese girl who lives with her mother and 4 brothers near Saigon. Their father has disappeared, captured by the North Vietnamese. Ho Chi Mihn is moving closer to Saigon. Ha has friends and goes to school. Her brothers are smart. But life is getting harder. The cost of food and other goods goes up. They wait for the fruits of her papaya tree she planted to ripen. Mother stretches out their supply of rice. Finally they must leave. Uncle takes them to a ship where many refugees crowd on. They end up in Guam where an American sponsor from the south takes them home (not everyone is nice). The rest is the story of their struggles to learn English and adapt to a new way of life. They are poor but full of hope. Their mother encourages them. Ha learns to deal with the bullies at school and makes new friends.
Story told as a journal with free verse poetry. Quick read, with great depth and feeling. Good for multicultural assignments.
Thanks Sue:) I have read that book already. It was really good. How are you doing?
ReplyDeleteThanks Curreri:) I will add that title to my list!!!
ReplyDelete