Wonder - R.J. Palacio

 "People see me
I'm a challenge to your balance
I'm over your heads
How I confound you and astound you
To know I must be one of the wonders
Of god's own creation
And as far as you can see you can offer me
No explanation"
                     ( Natalie Merchant - "Wonder" )

   It's not everyday that I read books which fall under the category of  "Child-Lit". But when the book is titled after and inspired by a song by one of your favourite Artistes, one does tend to take notice. And then one notices, its on one of the most sensitive subjects, as a parent. I started reading the book with my elder two kids off the Kindle, and after a while bought a printed copy, after searching for a copy at all Sarasavi book shops from Kiribathgoda to Maharagama. So after all this rigmarole in getting started to talk about the book, how did I find the book ?

Here's a quote:
"If I found a magic lamp and I could have one wish, I would wish that I had a normal face that no one ever noticed at all. I would wish that I could walk down the street without people seeing me and then doing that look-away thing. Here's what I think: the only reason I'm not ordinary is that no one else sees me that way."

Yes, this is the story of August Pullman, trying his level best to live his life like a normal kid, despite his facial anomalies And the story is told in first person by several characters - Auggie himself, his Sister Via, his friends, her friends, her boy friend, and concluding with the "Julian Chapters" - Julian being Auggie's biggest bully. Despite being an intelligent kid with a nice sense of humour, Auggie finds it a challenge all the way to make him accepted - for the "natural" ( political incorrect term here ) tendency is to stare momentarily and look away. But no one is more aware of this as Auggie, himself. He explains his looks thus:
"I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse."
But he toils away, nearly calling it quits, but supported by a loving family and a  Principal who goes out of his way to accommodate the "different" kid, Auggie pulls it through. Probably what is stressed in subtlety is that Mr. Tushman, the principle did bend the rules a wee bit to accommodate Auggie, even getting himself to hot water in the process.
Although the "Julian Chapters"do have a feel of an after thought, it adds a value to the book - especially it being a children's book - on how one is never too late to concede that one is in error and and could start over.

Highly recommended children and parents, who believe that a little kindness can go a long way in making another person's world, that much more beautiful.