Wonder by R.J Palacio

 Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Published in 2012, when Wonder was first released it was very popular through all age groups. Since then it has been made into a film, which portrays the book perfectly, a rare occurrence in my opinion. Although I haven't seen Wonder on a reading list for a while, I think it is a really great book, that provides a more unusual take on the world, through the eyes of a young boy names Auggie Pullman.

Auggie has a serious medical condition, resulting in a disfigured face, and has therefore been homeschooled by his mother due to various hospital visits. The book begins with Auggie's mixed feelings about starting school for the first time, and what he believes the other kids will think of him. Following a tour of the school, he slowly gets used to the environment, even making a few friends. Unfortunately, he encounters some bullies, and struggles to overcome this challenge. Auggie also attends a school trip, on which he faces several more challenges, each more adverse.

The perspective of the book switches every few chapters, between Auggie's perspective, his sister Via's perspective, and occasionally that of his friends. This enables the reader to better understand the thoughts and emotions of each character, contributing to the compelling read that this is.

Auggie & Me, also by R.J. Palacio, provides insight on how Auggie has impacted the lives of bully Julian, oldest friend Christopher, and classmate Charlotte, and is also an amazing read. I would recommend though that you read Wonder first, otherwise Auggie & Me may either spoil Wonder or confuse you!

Wonder is probably one of my favourite books, and will always be one of the first books that comes to mind when someone asks me for a recommendation. The characterisation coupled with a unique view on the world, makes this book so exciting! I would definitely recommend to any 11 year old or older, but any adult would probably also enjoy it!

FictionFan1 Rating: 10/10

If you liked this author you might like: Adam Silvera, E B White

About the author: R.J. Palacio is an American writer, and has written several novels for children, the most famous of which being Wonder, which has been turned into a film.

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They Both Die at the End

 They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

They Both Die at the End has to be one of my favourite books. You don't have to read any further than the title to know exactly how it ends (SPOILER ALERT - THEY BOTH DIE!!), which is possibly what makes the book so enthralling. It is set in a alternate contemporary universe, which is almost the same as our world, except for a major technological advancement, known as 'Death-Cast'. 

'Death Cast' is a globally available service which alerts you with a phone call if you are going to die that day. The phone calls (identifiable by a famous ringtone) occurs between midnight and 3am, and Death Cast provides no information other than that you will die that day. If you ask how, why or when, they cannot answer, all they know is that you will die before the day is over. 

When teenager Mateo receives his call, his father in a coma and his mother dead, he only wants to say goodbye to his best friend and her young daughter, but struggling to convince himself to leave his apartment and faced with all the possible dangers and ways he could die, he turns to the 'Last Friend' app, designed to match Deckers, or simply well-wishing strangers with Deckers, who want to provide company to somebody on their last day alive.

Rufus, also a teenager, hears the Death Cast ringtone while beating up his ex-girlfriend's new boyfriend. He only wants to spend the day with his foster parents and siblings, but when the police appear it is clear he must leave his home behind. He too turns to the Last Friend app, where he meets Mateo, and they spend their day making each other's last days a memorable one. 

The book does deal with some more difficult themes - violence and death - but it can be enjoyed by a wide audience, as long as you are aware of this. I would recommend it to anyone over 11, or possibly a mature 10 year old reader, but with this book it really depends on each person and how comfortable they are with loss. 

FictionFan1 Rating: 9/10

If you liked this author you might like: Rebecca Stead, Sharon Creech, E B White

About the author: Adam Silvera is an American author, who writes young adult fiction novels. He is best known for 'They Both Die at the End' and 'Infinity Son'.

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Lemon Syrup Yoghurt Cake

 Lemon Syrup Yoghurt Cake

One of my favourite summery cakes is Lemon Drizzle Cake, and I have always hated that it is only popular in the summer! I was actually given this recipe by a teacher, and I love how it turns a summery cake into a more suitable cake for winter or spring. Hopefully , at some point I will share my trusty lemon drizzle recipe, but for now I hope you enjoy this delicious Lemon Syrup Yoghurt Cake!

It works very well as cupcakes, but if you are using a cupcake tray instead you should reduce the cooking time to 30 minutes, and check them then to make sure they're not overcooked. I would also recommend pouring the syrup on while they are still in the cupcake tray, to make sure you don't make too much mess (because the tray will need washing anyway). If you are using a loaf tin, then it is best to also pour the syrup on while the cake is still in the tin, also to prevent mess! 

This cake also works very well in a round cake tin (use a 20cm one), and is delicious topped with chopped summer fruits. If you want to slice the cake in half to make a more appropriate cake for serving at a party (after COVID only please!), then I recommend using whipped cream to sandwich the halves together, but the cake will need keeping in the fridge.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35-45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings: One loaf (2lb loaf tin)

Cake Ingredients: 

• 125g butter, softened

• 200g (1 cup) caster sugar
• 3 eggs
• Zest of a lemon (the juice is used in the syrup)
• 200g (1.5 cups) self-raising flour
• 200g (3/4 cup) natural yoghurt

Syrup Ingredients:

• 150g (3/4 cup) sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• Strained juice of a lemon

Method

Preheat the oven to 175C fan. Don't forget to do this, but also make sure there is space for a cake tin

Line a loaf tin with baking paper. I do this by cutting a large rectangle, then a line perpendicular to each corner, then place in the tin and conform to the tin by folding the edges behind the other sides.

Cream the butter and sugar until pale and lights. When baking a cake, it is very important not to cheat and melt your butter, but I recommend allowing it to soften first. I also tend to use a wooden spoon, with a long handle, to prevent blisters.

Beat in the eggs. Beat them in one at a time to reduce chance of curdling, but if it does curdle a little it is ok in a cake as we are adding plenty of flour!

Fold in lemon zest and flour. To fold effectively (without knocking out any air), use a figure of eight motion until the mixture is combined. Because at this point there is a large volume of dry ingredients and fewer wet ones, the consistency may seem strange, especially to more experienced bakers, but stick with it!

Fold in the yoghurt. Use a similar figure of eight motion, making sure to evenly distribute it.

Put in the cake tin. Use a spatula to spoon into the prepared cake tin, making the centre a little lower than the edges as it will rise

Bake for 35-45 minutes. Know your oven! Bake until a skewer or toothpick comes out clean when you stick it into the palest section. If you shake the tin and the loaf wobbles, its not ready yet. It should take about 40 minutes to bake.

Make the syrup. Just before the cake is ready heat the sugar, water and lemon juice listed as ingredients for the syrup in a small saucepan and simmer for five minutes.

Poke holes in the cake. Once the cake is cooked, take a toothpick and make 30-40 holes in the top of the cake.

Spoon the syrup onto the cake. Spoon the syrup on, trying to make sure it is even, so all the cake gets a share. 

Allow the cake to cool. It is best to allow the cake to cool for a further 15 minutes in the tin, before taking it out to cool on a rack and removing the baking paper from the edges.

Serve and enjoy! This cake is delicious with a spoonful of plain yoghurt, some fresh fruit or whipped cream, or can be enjoyed plain too! It should keep for 5-6 days covered or in an airtight container.

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