Standing Out In Wonder, By R. J Palacio

“Why fit in when you were born to stand out?” This quote by Dr. Seuss focuses on the common fear of standing out in a crowd, whether it is voluntary or not. One may stand out in a crowd, for many reasons, whether negatively or positively, but is up to that person to rise up and embrace their differences. In the novel, Wonder, by R.J Palacio, Auggie is a character who fights past his self-consciousness, while capturing seemingly everyone’s heart with his bright mind and extraordinary self.

Being a new student who is only just starting middle school can be challenging enough, but in Auggie’s case, it is even harder. His appearance is not like that of other children his age, due to an extremely rare condition called mandibulofacial dysostosis,

more commonly known as Treacher Collins Syndrome. This disorder “affects the development of bones and other facial tissues” (http://www.gradesaver.com/wonder/study-guide/auggies-condition-treacher-collins-syndrome-tc ) , though it is more severe than most in Auggie’s case. Early in the novel, he mentions his appearance, “Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse.” (Palacio 3) Not being able to walk down the street or have fun on the playground like any other kid, without being stared at, pointed at, or ridiculed, takes its toll on him. Before later growing out his bangs “...It helps me block out the things I don’t want to see.”, (Palacio 21) August wears an astronaut helmet everywhere he goes, to avoid any panic-stricken encounters with others his age, and sometimes even their parents. This anxious mindset begins to develop early on, though eventually he is able to move past it with the help of good friends and a loving family.

August is previously homeschooled by his mother, prior to starting school in grade 5. Even though it may have partially been due to his looks, it was mostly his health that hindered him from attending any classes. Regardless of the stereotypes surrounding homeschooling, he is one of the most intelligent and diligent students in his class. When August begrudgingly tours the school with some of his future peers, he can immediately single one of them out to be one of his future troublemakers. Throughout the tour, Julian, the antagonist, keeps making snippy remarks, and avoiding his glance and touch. While looking around the science lab, Julian takes another stab at him by nonchalantly asking if he even knew what and eraser was. Later, August corrects him by saying, “ ‘The word’s supposedly, by the way’ [he] said…’You said supposably before,’ ” and by saying that, proving to Julian that he isn’t any less capable of being knowledgeable than he is.

Regardless of Auggie’s reasoning that he is just an ordinary kid, everyone who truly gets to know him knows that is not the case.

His mother, among others, recognizes him as being truly special, as she tells him in a heart wrenching moment which earned the title of the book, “ ‘Thank you, Auggie...For everything you’ve given us...For coming into our lives. For being you...You really are a wonder, Auggie. You are a wonder.’ ” (Palacio 310) Even though, in many ways he is just an ordinary fifth-grader, he is so much more than that. By being affectionate and caring towards the people he loves, by taking every day with courage, kindness, and witty humour, he captures the hearts of many. At his new school, this results in him being awarded with the Henry Ward Beecher medal, recognizing greatness, which is a point of realization for him. Engulfed in loud cheers and thunderous applause, Auggie stands to retrieve the award, “ ‘I wasn’t even sure why I [am] getting this award, really… No that’s not true, I know why. It’s like people you see sometimes and you can’t imagine what it would be like to be that person, whether it’s somebody in a wheelchair or somebody who can’t talk. Only, I know that I am that person to other people, maybe to every single person in that whole auditorium. To me though, I’m just me. An ordinary kid.’ “ (Palacio 306) This proves his ability to understand how influential he can be for others. Nevertheless, in his own eyes, August will always be an

ordinary kid who survived fifth grade, which is not easy, even if you didn’t have to fight through the same hardships he did.

In conclusion, August is a wonderful person, who captures the hearts of so many, not with a striking appearance, but with a heart of gold. By overcoming his self-consciousness and stepping out of his comfort zone, he is able to make numerous new friends. His intelligence earns him respect and recognition at his school. Consequently, he is able to come to terms with how special he is to other people, while continuing to view himself as perfectly ordinary. Despite being surrounded by kids who torment him, he courageously pushed through, and proved that he was the bigger person. When dealing with unfair hardships that children so young should not be facing, August was able to overshadow their prejudice while remaining caring, smart, and true to himself.