Born with craniofacial syndrome, the same condition August has in the book “Wonder,” Nathaniel Newman, and his mother, Magda, share the hardships of growing up with this condition. Nathaniel faced sixty-seven surgeries before the age of fifteen, needing surgeries to help him breathe (tracheotomy), eat, to stretch his chin wider, to hear, and more. Told in alternating voice, this is a true story of a mother’s love for her special needs son, the amazing doctors who have worked with him, the courage and humorous spirit of Nathaniel, and the challenge by the author to redefine “normal.”

Nathaniel is a very funny kid with many laugh-out-loud comments. The book is touching in places, such as when Nathaniel, in one of his many doctor appointments, was asked the question, “Have you ever thought about hurting yourself” replied:

“That might be the stupidest question I’ve heard in my life” …..”I have an awesome mom and dad and brother. I have a dog named Smokey. Why would I hurt myself? My life is awesome.” (page 162)

Drawings throughout the book give it an elementary feel, though I know it would be enjoyed by middle school grades as well. My favorite drawing was of Nathaniel reading the book “Wonder” by P. J. Palacio. A fun fact about the Newman family is that they became friends with P. J. and Nathaniel even tried out for the part of August for the movie “Wonder.” Although he wasn’t cast, the book and the movie were both appreciated by the Newman family as they saw a general shift in how the public viewed Nathaniel.