skybridge

akaakp.bsky.social · @akaakp.bsky.social@bridge.neodb.net

Rated Wonder 10/10

R.J. Palcio tackles a "feel good" story with voices that are so realistic and familiar that one cannot help empathizing with every single character. It delivers a simple message about the importance--and challenge--of being kind without veering into preachiness or oversentimentality. I especially liked the way it acknowledges that even the kindest people cannot help but be taken aback upon first seeing someone suffering from the kind of facial abnormalities that August suffers from: there is simply no way to be prepared for it. Instead, it shows how it's not that first impression that matters--it's what comes after. An absolute must-read for any middle schooler.

#book

Published 2026-01-07 12:14 UTC · bridged from Atmosphere