Wonder by R.J. Palacio

August Hoffman was born with a severe facial deformity.  In spite of many surgeries, his eyes are too low on his face, he has almost no ears and eating is awkward with his newly constructed jaws.  Because he has spent so much time in the hospital, he has always been home schooled.  But after much family discussion, Auggie will be entering the fifth grade in Beecher Prep. To help smooth the way, the principal has invited three of his perspective classmates to show him around. His internal dialog as he describes their reactions to his face is priceless insight into the mind of every student who goes through life less than perfect.  In spite of his academic skills and the encouragement of his family, he is eventually shattered by the teasing and bullying.  In the end, it all turns out the way is ought to in the real world but unfortunately rarely does.  I especially liked the way the principal handled some parents with an elevated sense of entitlement.  There are multiple entry points to discuss the issue of bullying with young people and to think about your own reaction to people who are different.