During a recent school visit by New Westminster Public Library children's librarians, the teacher mentioned her students were reading Wonder by R.J. Palacio.
She said the kids were engaged with the story and had many thoughtful questions.
Not surprising. Wonder is an intense read about a boy so severely deformed that children scream when they see him.
Yet, with family support and a very brave inner voice, this boy decides to join public school for fifth grade. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and the kids will want to talk.
After Wonder, the kids wanted other books with similar complex topics.
Out of My Mind, by Sharon Draper, introduces 11-year-old Melody who could read at age four and has a photographic memory.
But at 11 she has never spoken a single word and is confined to her wheelchair - debilitated by cerebral palsy. She's brilliant, funny and sensitive, and you'll weep as she struggles for acceptance.
Firegirl, by Tony Abbott, features 12-year-old Jessica, who suffers extreme burns in a fire. She endures myriad trials both medical and social as she tries to find her place.
Another good group read is Al Capone does My Shirts, by Gennifer Choldenko. In the 1930s, 12-year-old Moose's family moves to Alcatraz because his father works at the prison. Moose's younger sister Natalie is severely autistic, and the family must fight for her right to an education while Moose tries to fit in with the other kids living on the island.
For more mature groups you might consider these thoughtprovoking titles.
The Adoration of Jenna Fox, by Mary E. Pearson, will encourage a biomedical ethics debate. How far is too far to go to save the one you love? Armageddon Summer, by Jane
Yolen, deals with teens struggling against their families' participation in religious cults. There are many more that deal with anorexia, abusive relationships, familial problems, addictions and more. Speak to a children's librarian, if you are looking for something to "talk about."
The New Westminster Public Library is at 716 Sixth Ave. in uptown New Westminster. Check out its website at www.nwpl.ca for information about holdings, hours, events and more.
