Wonder is the story of a fifth grade boy named Auggie (August) with a genetic disorder. He can’t hide his differences from the world because they are stamped on his face for all to see. He spends his elementary years being homeschooled, due to the intense schedule of surgeries required to help him even be able to eat and breathe properly. In fifth grade, his parents decide it is time for him to start to interact more with kids his own age, though they know it will be incredibly stressful. Kids can be mean, though, right? What follows is Auggie’s story of that year, but it is also a tale of other children struggling to fit in. 

Wonder is the perfect addition to your reading diet. It would work well as a read-aloud, a small group reading circle, or to recommend to individual students. With poignant scenes about family and friends, interspersed with humor and pop culture references that kids will adore, Wonder will be sure to capture the hearts and minds of children and adults alike. 


I discovered the trailer below on the fabulous website Watch.Connect.Read.  by the amazing Mr. Schu 

My students showered me with love before holiday break - love in the form of books to read. This topped my list as one of my favorite reads, and so earned the spot as my "Dragon's Book of the Week" when we returned to school.

It's 1899 in Texas and Calpurnia has no desire to act like a regular little girl. Her mind dances with curiosity about the world. Luckily for her, Calpurnia's grandfather notices her quick mind and inquisitive nature and makes it his job to help her as she explores the world around her, in spite of her mother's every attempt to train her up to be a proper young lady. 

Yes, this is the kind of story that is told a lot recently. But Calpurnia is one of those lovely characters that springs to life on the page. I highly recommend the story to students who love the natural world (boys and girls alike), as there is plenty of science built into the tale. It is also a beautifully told tale, and one that gives students a glimpse into the way the world worked as automobiles and telephones began I'm hoping my students love this book as much as I did!

When you are a member of the Beaumont family, you're 13th birthday is extra special. Not only are you now officially a teenager, but you unlock your special magical gift - your "savvy".

Mibs is hoping for something amazing, something to help her stand out from the crowd. But when her father is injured and hospitalized, her wish changes. She just wants her new savvy to be something that can save his life. 

My students insisted I use this book as my Book of the Week. This is a great novel about growing up, making new friends, and accepting the unique parts of yourself. 

Visit the author's website at http://www.ingridlaw.com/

This is a very funny book about a group of middle school kids who just don't quite fit in.

One student keeps an origami Yoda on his finger, dispensing advice to his friends. But is Yoda really magical? Can he help these kids find a way to make it through middle school?

If your students like Diary of a Wimpy Kid and have an interest in awesome Star Wars references, this is the book for them!

This was last week's "Book of the Week", I just didn't get it up to the site!