Marcelo and Auggie: two characters who are so different, so loveable, and expose readers to many different sides of life. Both of these page-turning masterpiece works of fiction left me wide-awake at 4 or 5 in the morning, finished book in hand, contemplating the meaning of life. No joke. These two made me think. On a personal level, I considered how these two had everything against them-- Marcelo from Asperger's and Auggie from a facial anomaly-- yet with the goodness in their hearts, they overcame obstacles and fiercely defended their families and loved ones. As a future educator, these two made me consider differentiation and how much of a positive impact educators can have on the lives of their students if they choose. Marcelo and Auggie will be in my class.
I'll begin with Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco X. Stork. I picked this up over the summer on recommendation from my favorite blog, Hello Giggles. Marcelo has Asperger's, which is on the high-functioning end of the Autism Spectrum. His father, who may not be the most compassionate but nevertheless does what he believes to be best, orders Marcelo to work in his law firm over the summer. This is Marcelo's first experience in the "real world" (he has always attended a special school). The reader watches as Marcelo's innocence is taken away and how he copes with entering the real world. Parts reminded me of the shocking reality of having my first job.This does include a touch of adult content (PG-13) and is written for teens/adults.
Next, Wonder by R.J. Palacio. Recommended by a friend, I was apprehensive to read this because I thought it would be nothing but a drawn out tear-jerker. On the contrary, it was very heart-warming. Auggie Pullman has a facial anomaly, meaning he has a genetic disorder that makes his face look not quite, well, normal. Auggie is entering fifth grade and going to school for the first time. He was never able to attend school in the past because of his twenty-some surgeries he had to date. Auggie knows that his face sometimes terrifies small children and adults alike and he understands why they feel that way. Halloween is his favorite holiday because he can wear a mask and be looked at like any other kid. He is literally (and I mean this literally) the kindest, sweetest, most loveable boy I have ever read. He loves Star Wars and actually grew a Padawon braid that he was very proud of. He calls his parents "Mommy" and "Daddy" and loves them, his sister, and his dog, Daisy, very much. He even likes school, although his friendships are flawed and he has bullies that you want to kick where it counts. This story is told in many different perspectives and is actually written for children.
After I finished reading Wonder, I talked about it with my Mom for days. At last my mom finally realized, "You mean, this isn't a true story?" No, unfortunately, Auggie does not exist, but Palacio makes him and his family come to life for the reader.
Please, read these books! You will laugh, cry, fall in love, and may have a new perspective about life.
Images via Goodreads.
