Standing Out In Wonder, By R. J Palacio

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“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, …show more content…

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

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