Wonder by R. J. Palacio, Books for Young Readers, 2012. This is a double nominee both on the Bluestem and Caudill list and after listening to it I can see why. It is an amazing book. We loved the story, the characters, the growing and transformation that takes place throughout the book. It is a powerful book. There were moments when we found ourselves parked on the hotel parking lot listening to Auggie's (August Pullman) story without been able to stop. Auggie is a 5th grader born with a facial deformity. All of his life his parents and sister have protected him, but this year, his parents decided that he should attend school like every other kid. This is a terrifying thought for Auggie, and while some of his fears will come true, there will be lots of ways his new friends will surprise him. Readers, or listeners in this case, get to experience Auggie's life through his experiences but also through those close to him with alternating chapters told by his family and friends.
Time Warp Trio #1 Knights of the Kitchen Table by Jon Sciezka, illustrated by Lane Smith, Puffin Books, 2004. I loved the humor on this book and can see why boys loved this series. The audio was engaging and entertaining with the language descriptive enough to allow you to imagine this three "amigos" traveling through time.
Clementine by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Marla Frazee, Disney-Hyperion, 2006. I liked the main character and her enthusiasm. She is that happy, outgoing, confident little girl that I wasn't. Overall we enjoyed listening to Clementine's not so good week from principal's office visits, awful haircuts, and pigeon relocation.
