In brief: ‘Wonder’ author R. J. Palacio launches book

R. J. Palacio will launch her first graphic novel, “White Bird,” in Montclair on Tuesday, Oct. 1. It is inspired by Palacio’s blockbuster novel “Wonder.” Watchung Booksellers is sponsoring the event, which will start at 6:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair, 67 Church St.

Press materials describe Palacio’s new book as “an unforgettable story of the power of kindness and unrelenting courage in a time of war.” In Palacio’s collection of stories “Auggie & Me,” expanding on characters in “Wonder,” readers were introduced to Julian’s grandmother, Grandmère. “White Bird” is the story of how she, a young Jewish girl, was hidden by a family in a Nazi-occupied French village during World War II, and how the boy she and her classmates once shunned became her savior and best friend. 

Palacio, who lives in New York City with her husband, two sons, and two dogs, was an art director and graphic designer for more than 20 years. But several years ago a chance encounter with an extraordinary child in front of an ice cream store inspired her to write “Wonder,” her first novel.

Tickets, $26, include a copy of the book, which will be released that day; copies will not be available before that day. Attendees may purchase one companion ticket for $5.

Seating is first come, first served. There will be a standby line, and signing will follow the program. Those who need disability accommodations should email events@watchungbooksellers.com ; and those who are unable to stand for long periods of time should let the bookseller know at the door, to be escorted to the head of the line. 

For tickets and information, visit watchungbooksellers.com, or call 973-744-7177.