PARIS — Paris Public Library’s “Novel Idea Book Club,” adults reading children’s, juvenile and young adult selections, will meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, to discuss the juvenile, realistic fiction book, “Wonder,” by author RJ Palacio.

From Goodreads: “August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting fifth grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid — but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. Wonder begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion and acceptance.”

“Wonder is the best kids’ book of the year,” said Emily Bazelon, senior editor at Slate.com and author of “Sticks and Stones: Defeating the Culture of Bullying and Rediscovering the Power of Character and Empathy.” In a world where bullying among young people is an epidemic, this is a refreshing new narrative full of heart and hope. R.J. Palacio has called her debut novel “a meditation on kindness” — indeed, every reader will come away with a greater appreciation for the simple courage of friendship. Auggie is a hero to root for, a diamond in the rough who proves that you can’t blend in when you were born to stand out.

To secure a book, call the Paris Public Library at 207-743-6994.

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