COLIN FISCHER

by Ashley Edward Miller

[Blurb: SOLVING CRIME, ONE FACIAL EXPRESSION AT A TIME
Colin Fischer cannot stand to be touched. He does not like the color blue. He needs index cards to recognize facial expressions. 
But when a gun is found in the school cafeteria, interrupting a female classmate's birthday celebration, Colin is the only for the investigation. It's up to him to prove that Wayne Connelly, the school bully and Colin's frequent tormentor, didn't bring the gun to school. After all, Wayne didn't have frosting on his hands, and there was white chocolate frosting found on the grip of the smoking gun...]

Colin Fischer is a modern day Sherlock Holmes, constantly gathering facts in his little notepad. A bit unusual? ... yes, he has Aspergers syndrome, a developmental disorder that affects a person's ability to socialize and communicate effectively with others. This causes him to be alienated at school and often bullied. He is a character that grows on you. Because he is incredibly intelligent and logical he is very good at gathering clues.

This is a quick read which I think boys will particularly like.

Wonder

by P.J. Palacio


This is a very touching book about a little boy named Auggie who was born with a terribly deformed face. His mum has home schooled him up until now but this year he is going to school, into fifth grade. The book is very easy to read as it has very short chapters and the whole story is divided into eight parts, each told by a different character. As Auggie reluctantly starts school he has many challenges to face including coping with bullies. Finding 'true' friends isn't easy when you are deformed so much that you make others stare, scream, and run away in fright.


Auggie's sister Via is a tower of strength to him but at times she feels she is brushed over by her parents who are always spending time with Auggie and tending to his needs. She is also going through lots of changes and at times feels left out. As each character tells of their experience and their feelings towards Auggie you are taken on a insightful journey. The overall theme of the story is that we should all try to be kinder to each other. I really enjoyed this book.