Some books tell the story, other ones teach a lesson or two, and there are also books that do both, leaving a mark in all the reader's hearts. Wonder by R.J. Palacio, a debut novel by this author, is the third type of this book classification. The story was beguiling to follow but also had these emotional elements that left a tear or two in our eyes.

"Kinder than is necessary. Because it's not enough to be kind. One should be kinder than needed."

When we meet August at the beginning of the story, we know something is wrong, yet we don't have all the features pictured in our minds just yet. The writer skilfully puts more and more details on each page, like a artist slowly drawing a picture, developing the whole situation the boy was in. We get to know Auggie and his story more through his feelings and emotions surrounding him than the way he looked, which made this novel even more special.

The feeling of longing for acceptance or understanding is something any reader can relate to regardless of age or social status, which is why this book is not only great for kids this summer but also for their parents, aunts and uncles or even friends and their pets.

There are a few lessons one could take out after reading this story, but the most important one would be to always be kind. Kindness, found in the dictionary, has a definition of the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. It does not cost anything but could give a lot to the people around us.

Here at Schoolbooks.ie we highly recommend Wonder by R.J Palacio to anyone. From the list of most borrowed books in Irish Libraries in 2018 (to find out more click here: Top 20 Books for Kids) to the virtual shelves in our online store, don't look any further and get your copy today!