Okay, not to state the obvious, but I have evidently not found enough inspiration to add to this blog in months!Too long, but still....all that changed today.
I ordered a little book from the library for which I had heard an author interview on NPR ages ago. The library network finally got it to me last month. My intention was to sit and read it with my own fifth grader, a boy, who struggles with finding engaging reading materials. He drug his feet, but I persevered and started reading aloud anyway. He got hooked, and kept asking for "one more chapter, please"... the chapters are short, sometimes a page. He was grounded to my side, enthralled, but eventually we quit for the night. And, then, as it does, life interrupted us. He took it to school to read after finishing OAA testing, but only made it a few more pages there. And then it sat, on my desk, like a box from Tiffany, you want to open it, and see what gem lays inside, but once you do...the mystery is gone.
Then, yesterday, I got the email from the library informing me that it is due, tomorrow. And, no, you cannot renew it, because there are requests waiting.
So, today, while I have the mostly excellent excuse of trying to mend a broken shoulder, I decided to devote my morning to unwrapping this Wonder.
Now, half a box of happy tissues later, I have my inspiration to jump start this blog. Because everyone should read this book. Really. From 4th graders to 400 year olds. ( I guess that would be reading it to one of those turtles, but, still, I think they'd even find the value).
Yes the book is going back to the library for the next patiently waiting reader to unwrap, and be gifted this gem. But I am going on Amazon first, because my children, my children's friends, my friends, and my future friends, will all get a crack at my copy.
Allow yourselves all this gift.
The book is called Wonder by R.J. Palacio.
It is a book of kindness and generosity, and human nature and human frailty, and the unfairness of it all that blooms forth into what is good about life on this planet. And middle school. I don't want to ruin it for you, because part of the joy is the surprise that is the main character. But I want you all to be interested enough to not miss out....hmmmm. It is about a boy who is starting fifth grade, and is told from his point of view, then deliciously, the narrarators change around and back, like a perfect symphony. Aaargh. Just read it!