Library Unveils One Book One Town Choice: 'Wonder' by R.J. Palacio

Meet Auggie Pullman, a fifth grade boy born with a facial deformity who is about to enter his first year in mainstream schooling. Can he convince his new classmates that he is an ordinary kid, despite his appearance?

Auggie's the protagonist of R.J. Palacio's New York Times best-selling children's book "Wonder," the selection for Fairfield's sixth annual One Book One Town community reading event.

The committee behind the book selection felt that the message of "Wonder" -- to choose kindness, empathy, and acceptance -- is a sentiment for a town and state reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy and the mass elementary school shooting in Newtown.

"We're hoping this will bring some healing [to Fairfield]," Claudia Silk, one of the chairs of the One Book, One Town Committee. "We hope this creates a conversation about civility, kindness, and how we relate to each other."

Between now and the One Book One Town signature event -- Palacio will come to town for a book talk and signing on March 14 at the Quick Center for the Arts -- residents are encouraged to read the book and take part in a number of activities.

Aspiring writers can enter the third annual One Book One Town Writing Contest until Feb. 14; adult readers can attend book discussions with Dr. Mark Schenker of Yale and Author Sara Hacala; teens can participate in the "Wonder" Instagram Contest; and families can check out a number of film screenings and a Reader's Theater event.

For more information about these events and more One Book One Town activities, visit the Library's One Book One Town blog.

Happy reading!