Actions such as “open the door for someone” or “invite someone to have lunch with you” you can see the ripple effect of kindness. 

Auggie Pullman, fifth grader, was born with a facial deformity. “Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse,” he says when describing his looks to the reader. He has never been to public school but he is about to start when this book begins. Even though he is in fifth grade, this first novel by Palacio speaks to adults and kids alike. If you have ever been the new kid in school or new job then you know it’s hard. But the book isn’t just about Auggie. It’s about surviving in your own skin. You see the story drawn from multiple view points; there are 8 parts and 8 voices. To me, this book shows that mean people aren’t necessarily bad people and you don’t have to do something mean to hurt someone’s feelings. Bullying is all around us and happens to everyone, not just those who are different.