MEDIA

Pluto

by R.J. PALACIO

(Wonder: Bk. 2). 2 CDs. 2:10 hrs. Brilliance. 2015. $29.97. ISBN 9781491524114.

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Gr 3–6—Auggie and Chris's mothers planted the seeds of their friendship even before they were born, and the two boys have been close their entire lives. Chris is used to Auggie's myriad health issues and odd appearance. But as their worlds begin to expand and include more people, both boys experience difficulty adjusting to new social groups and it proves especially challenging to make new friends who accept people who are different. The narrative bounces between the present day, when Chris is in the fourth grade and in the midst of both a family and school crisis, and the past, when stories of Chris and Auggie growing up help readers understand their intense friendship. The narration by Scott Merriman is gentle yet evocative. Fans of Palacio's previous work will adore this new story, yet it can stand alone if readers have not yet been introduced to the saga of Auggie and his friends.

VERDICT As it does such an effective job of addressing social issues such as friendship and bullying, this audiobook is a recommended purchase for any library serving elementary-age students.

Reviewed by Tara Hixon, Piedmont High School, OK , Jun 01, 2015

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