This book...I felt so much emotion while I was reading it. My little Laurie, who sometimes felt all the feels these middle schoolers were feeling. For my granddaughter, Kandyce, who recommended it to me and adored it and who recently began the fifth grade. The fifth grade isn't always the kindest place, but I believe if this book was required reading, it might help just a little bit.

One of my worst memories of high school was a day that I didn't stand up for someone I should have protected. It still haunts me to this day. I don't know what happened to that girl, but I know her life in high school was probably much worse than Auggie's experience.

I am so grateful to R.J. Palacio for writing this story. And for the little girl she saw one day at the ice cream store who inspired her to do so.

One of my favorite passages from the book was spoken by Auggie's mother. She said, "But I really believe, and Daddy really believes, that there are more good people on this earth than bad people, and the good people watch out for each other and take care of each other."

I'm sorry I wasn't able to cry out on behalf of that little girl in high school as the bus left without her. But now that I know better, I do better.

That's my wish for everyone.

Enjoy this book, dear Goodreads readers. It's a great one.