Part One: August

"I know I'm not an ordinary ten-year-old kid. I mean, sure, I do ordinary things. I eat ice cream. I ride my bike. I play ball. I have an Xbox. Stuff that makes me ordinary. I guess."

"But I know ordinary kids don't make other ordinary kids run away screaming in playgrounds." (page 3)

These first few sentences of Wonder by R.J Pallacio instantly create a sense of connection with August, a child who has cosmetic facial impurities. It creates a sense of empathy from the reader, so after I read the first paragraph I was hooked. 

I wanted to know more. I wanted to know that truly went on in August's mind.

Every day I deal with self esteem issues with my own face and body. I have always been curious of those children who were born with clefts and wanted to truly know how they felt, what they thought. Honestly, the first few lines of the story reveal that August is just an average ten-year-old who has the same thoughts and feelings as other ten-year-old children his age. When I was ten, I had self-esteem issues and hated going to school. There was nothing physically wrong with me, I just wasn't happy with how I looked, mainly because I was going through that "pre-teen" stage where I wanted my hair and skin to be perfect, and they weren't. Although August's case is much worse than what mine was, I still felt that low self-esteem connection with him.

Another way I can relate to August was that his family is super supportive all throughout his life. Palacio introduces August's family in the story really early, mainly because they play a huge part in August's life. August's mom pushed him to go to school to get used to being around children his age, which leads to the rest of the story. His parents truly knew what was best for him and wanted what was best for him. Much like August's family, my family has always pushed me to follow my dreams, no matter how extreme or scary it may be. They push me to be a better person, even when I feel I am at my best.

Part One is basically the thoughts and feelings that are racing through August's mind.

What better way to begin a novel than to establish an instant connection to a character whom we can relate to and empathize with.