Wonder Chapter 1 (Pages 3-14)

Summary

The script tells the story of August, a 10-year-old boy who feels ordinary despite his extraordinary appearance. He navigates the challenges of being stared at and the desire for a 'normal' face, while his family grapples with the decision to send him to school for the first time. August's journey highlights the complexities of identity, acceptance, and the struggle to fit in.

Takeaways

• 😀 The main character, August, considers himself ordinary despite his physical appearance that makes him stand out.
• 🏠 August's family, including his sister Via and parents, see him as extraordinary, which influences how they interact with him.
• 🏫 August has never attended a traditional school due to his numerous surgeries and health issues, but he is about to start fifth grade.
• 👨‍👧 August's mother homeschools him and was a children's book illustrator, but she hasn't drawn in a long time due to taking care of him and his sister.
• 👦 August has a few close friends, with Christopher being his best friend, but their interactions have decreased as they grow older and Christopher moved away.
• 🎂 August feels left out as some friends no longer invite him to birthday parties, reflecting the changes in their relationships as they grow up.
• 👶 August's birth was unexpected in terms of his physical appearance, leading to a chaotic and humorous scene in the delivery room.
• 🏥 August has undergone 27 surgeries since birth, with the last one being eight months prior to the events of the script, indicating his ongoing health challenges.
• 📚 August's parents are considering sending him to school to learn more than his mother can teach him, particularly in subjects like fractions.
• 🏢 The school August is considering attending is difficult to get into, and his parents have been planning this for a year without telling him until he was accepted.
• 🤔 August is apprehensive about going to school and fears the reactions of his peers, but his parents believe it will be beneficial for him to make friends and learn new things.

Q & A

What is the main character's name and how does he describe himself?

The main character's name is August, often referred to as Auggie. He describes himself as ordinary in many ways, such as eating ice cream, riding his bike, and playing ball, but he also acknowledges that his appearance makes him stand out and not be seen as ordinary by others.

What does Auggie wish for if he found a magic lamp?

Auggie wishes for a normal face that no one would ever notice, allowing him to walk down the street without people staring and then looking away.

How does Auggie's sister, Via, react to people's rude behavior towards him?

Via can get really annoyed when people are rude towards Auggie. For example, she once started yelling at kids in the playground who made noises towards him.

What is the significance of Auggie's upcoming fifth-grade year?

The upcoming fifth-grade year is significant for Auggie because it marks his first time attending a real school, as he has been homeschooled by his mother due to his medical conditions and surgeries.

What was the main reason Auggie did not attend school before fifth grade?

The main reason Auggie did not attend school before was due to his numerous surgeries and medical conditions that made him frequently sick, leading his parents to decide that homeschooling was a better option.

How does Auggie's mother feel about his potential school attendance?

Auggie's mother has mixed feelings. She is concerned about Auggie's ability to deal with the reality of his appearance in a school environment but also acknowledges that he needs to learn more than she can teach him and that it might be good for him to make friends and learn new things.

What is the name of Auggie's best friend and how did their friendship start?

Auggie's best friend is Christopher. Their friendship started when they were babies, and they have known each other ever since.

How does Auggie's father try to make light of the situation regarding the school principal's name?

Auggie's father tries to make light of the situation by joking about the principal's name, Mr. Tushman, and imagining funny scenarios involving it being announced over the loudspeaker or paired with a humorous anecdote about a professor named Miss Butt.

What is the role of Auggie's mother as a former career?

Auggie's mother used to be a children's book illustrator, specializing in drawing fairies and mermaids, but she hasn't drawn much lately due to taking care of Auggie and his sister, Via.

What is the significance of the story about Auggie's birth?

The story about Auggie's birth is significant as it highlights the unexpected challenges the family faced, the medical professionals' initial misjudgments, and the support from a nurse who provided comfort and encouragement to Auggie's mother during a difficult time.

How does Auggie feel about the idea of going to a new school?

Auggie is apprehensive and scared about going to a new school. He is worried that everyone will stare at him because of his appearance and is not sure if he is ready for the change.

Outlines

00:00

😀 Embracing the Ordinary

In this paragraph, the narrator, August, introduces himself as an 'ordinary' 10-year-old who enjoys typical childhood activities like eating ice cream and playing ball. However, he acknowledges that his appearance causes him to stand out and be treated differently, which makes him feel not ordinary. August expresses a desire for invisibility and a 'normal face.' He talks about his family, particularly his sister Via, who is protective of him. His parents view him as extraordinary, but August believes he is the only one who sees his own ordinariness. He also mentions his upcoming transition to fifth grade in a real school, which he is apprehensive about due to his surgeries and health issues that have kept him homeschooled until now.

05:04

😄 The Humor in Unexpected Places

The second paragraph delves into a humorous story from August's birth, as told by his mother. It includes a memorable nurse who was not shy about passing gas, a doctor nicknamed 'Doogie' who fainted upon seeing August, and the nurse's supportive words that helped August's mother cope with the initial shock. The story is a mix of humor and tenderness, showing the family's resilience and the support they received during a challenging time. It also highlights the love and acceptance August's mother had for him, focusing on his beautiful eyes despite his facial differences.

10:06

🤔 The Dilemma of Schooling

In this paragraph, August's parents discuss the possibility of him attending school for the first time. They debate whether he is ready and express their concerns about how he will be treated by others. August overhears them discussing a potential school, which he learns they have been considering for a year. His parents have met the principal and even taken a tour of the school without telling him. The paragraph captures the tension between wanting to protect August and the need to prepare him for the realities of the world, as well as the importance of honesty and communication within the family.

15:08

😌 The Lighter Side of School Decisions

The fourth paragraph brings a lighter tone to the conversation about August's schooling. His father uses humor to lighten the mood, joking about the principal's name, Mr. Tushman, and imagining funny scenarios involving him. The family shares a laugh, which helps to ease the tension around the serious decision of whether August should attend school. The paragraph ends with August's parents encouraging him to meet the principal before making a final decision, showing their support and understanding of his apprehensions.

Keywords

💡Ordinary

The term 'ordinary' is used to describe something that is common, typical, or not exceptional. In the context of the video script, the protagonist, August, feels ordinary inside but is aware that his physical appearance makes him stand out. His desire to be seen as ordinary highlights the theme of acceptance and the struggle to fit in. For example, August says, '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.'

💡Stigma

Stigma refers to a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person. In the script, August experiences stigma due to his facial differences, which leads to people staring at him and children running away from him in playgrounds. This stigma is a central theme of the video, illustrating the challenges faced by those who are perceived as different. August's mother mentions how people's reactions make her feel, 'we can't just pretend he's going to wake up tomorrow and this isn't going to be his reality.'

💡Facial Differences

Facial differences in the script refer to physical variations in a person's face that deviate from what is typically considered 'normal.' August has facial differences that have led to multiple surgeries and affect how others perceive him. His facial differences are a significant part of his identity and the narrative, as they shape his experiences and interactions with others. For instance, August says, 'whatever you're thinking is probably worse,' reflecting his awareness of how his appearance is perceived.

💡Homeschooling

Homeschooling is a form of education where a child is educated at home, typically by parents or tutors, rather than attending a school. August has been homeschooled by his mother, who was a children's book illustrator. This decision was made partly due to his medical conditions and surgeries, but also to protect him from the challenges of attending a traditional school. The script mentions, 'my parents decided it was better if I didn't go to school,' highlighting the protective nature of his upbringing.

💡Surgery

Surgery in this context refers to medical procedures performed to correct or improve physical conditions. August has undergone numerous surgeries since birth, totaling 27, to address his facial differences and other health issues. The surgeries are a significant part of his life and contribute to his reluctance to attend school, as they have made him feel vulnerable and different. The script states, 'I've had two or three surgeries every year, since then some big and some small.'

💡Friendship

Friendship is depicted as a crucial aspect of August's life, providing him with a sense of normalcy and acceptance. His friends Christopher, Zachary, and Alex have known him since they were babies and are accustomed to his appearance. However, as they grow older and start attending school, their friendship dynamics change, reflecting the broader theme of how external factors can impact relationships. The script mentions, 'I have a few really good friends now, Christopher is my best friend, followed by Zachary and Alex.'

💡School

School is a central theme in the script, representing a place of learning but also a social environment where August fears being judged based on his appearance. His parents consider sending him to school as a way to broaden his experiences and education, but August is apprehensive about the potential reactions from his peers. The script discusses the idea of him starting fifth grade, 'next week I start fifth grade since I've never been to a real school before, I'm pretty much totally and completely petrified.'

💡Courage

Courage is a recurring theme in the script, particularly in relation to August's numerous surgeries and his decision to potentially attend school. His mother describes him as brave, and his surgeries are a testament to his courage in facing physical challenges. The script mentions, 'I told him about all your surgeries and how brave you are,' indicating that his courage is a significant part of his character and the narrative.

💡Family

Family plays a pivotal role in the script, providing support and love to August. His parents and sister, Via, are protective of him and are involved in decisions about his education and well-being. The family dynamic is depicted as one of mutual care and concern, with his mother and father having differing views on how to best support August. The script illustrates this when his parents discuss his potential schooling, 'we can't just keep protecting him,' and 'we can't just pretend he's going to wake up tomorrow and this isn't going to be his reality.'

💡Acceptance

Acceptance is a key theme in the script, reflecting August's desire to be seen as ordinary and his struggle with the way others perceive him. His family's acceptance of him contrasts with the reactions he receives from the outside world, highlighting the importance of internal versus external validation. The script touches on this theme when August says, 'the only person in the world who realizes how ordinary I am is me,' indicating his longing for broader acceptance.

💡Humor

Humor is used in the script as a coping mechanism and a way to lighten the mood in difficult situations. August's father, in particular, uses humor to connect with his son and make him laugh, even when the topic is serious. The script includes humorous moments like the discussion about the principal's name, 'Mr. Tushman,' which serves to bring levity to the conversation about August's potential schooling.

Highlights

August describes himself as an ordinary kid who does ordinary things but feels different due to the reactions of others.

August's wish for a normal face to avoid the attention and reactions he receives from others.

The family's dynamic, with August's sister Via struggling with how others perceive him.

August's parents view him as extraordinary, reflecting their protective nature and love.

August's homeschooling experience and his mother's background as a children's book illustrator.

August's friendships, particularly with Christopher, and the changes as they grow older and attend school.

The story of August's birth, including the humorous and tense atmosphere in the delivery room.

The emotional support provided by the 'farting nurse' to August's mother during a difficult time.

August's reflections on his appearance and the realization that he is the only one who sees himself as ordinary.

The dilemma August faces about starting school and the fears associated with being the new kid.

The parents' discussion about the necessity of August attending school and their differing approaches to protection.

August's first awareness of the possibility of attending school and his parents' secretive planning.

The humorous conversation about the school principal's name, Mr. Tushman, as a way to lighten the mood.

August's reluctance to go to school and the emotional conversation with his parents about his future.

The family's consideration of the right time for August to start school and the potential benefits.

August's internal conflict between wanting to be a normal kid and fearing the new experiences school might bring.

The family's attempt to reassure August about his upcoming school experience and their support.

Transcripts

part one august

faith smiled and destiny laughed as she

came to my cradle

natalie merchant wonder

ordinary i know i'm

not an ordinary 10 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 like that makes me ordinary i

guess

and i feel ordinary inside but i know

ordinary kids

don't make other ordinary kids run away

screaming in playgrounds

i know ordinary kids don't get stared at

wherever they go

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

but i'm kind of used to how i look by

now i know how to pretend i don't see

the faces people make

we've all gotten pretty good at that

sort of thing me

mom and dad via actually i i take that

back

via's not so good at it she can get

really annoyed when people do something

rude

like for instance one time in the

playground some other kids made some

noises

i don't even know what the noises were

exactly because i i didn't hear them

myself

but via heard and she just started

yelling at the kids

that's the way she is i'm not that way

via doesn't see me as ordinary she says

she does

but if i were ordinary she wouldn't feel

like she needs to protect me as much

and mom and dad don't see me as ordinary

either

they see me as extraordinary i think the

only person in the world who realizes

how ordinary i am is me

my name is august by the way i won't

describe what i look like

whatever you're thinking is probably

worse

why i didn't go to school

next week i start fifth grade since i've

never been to a real school before

i'm pretty much totally and completely

petrified

people think i haven't gone to school

because of the way i look but

it's not that it's because of all the

surgeries i've had

27 since i was born the bigger ones

happened before i was even four years

old

so i don't remember those but i've had

two or three surgeries every year

since then some big and some small

and because i'm little for my age and i

have some other medical mysteries the

doctors never really figured out

i used to get sick a lot that's why my

parents decided it was better if i

didn't go to school

i'm much stronger now though the last

surgery i had was eight months ago

and i probably won't have to have any

more for another couple of years

mom homeschools me she used to be a

children's book illustrator

she draws really great fairies and

mermaids her boy stuff isn't so hot

though

she once tried to draw me a darth vader

but it ended up looking like some weird

mushroom-shaped robot

i haven't seen her draw anything in a

long time i think she's too busy taking

care of me and via

can't say i always wanted to go to

school because that wouldn't be exactly

true

what i wanted was to go to school but

only if i could be like

every other kid going to school have

lots of friends and

hang out after school and stuff like

that

i have a few really good friends now

christopher is my best friend

followed by zachary and alex we've known

each other since we were babies

and since they've always known me the

way i am they're

used to me when we were little we used

to have play dates all the time

but then christopher moved to bridgeport

in connecticut

that's more than an hour away from where

i live in north river heights

which is at the top tip of manhattan and

zachary and alex started going to school

it's funny even though christopher's the

one who moved far away

i still see him more than i see zachary

and alex

they have all these new friends now if

we bump into each other on the street

they're still nice to me though they

always say hello

i have other friends too but not as good

as christopher and zach and alex were

for instance zach and alex always

invited me to their birthday parties

when we were little

but joel and emman and gabe never did

emma invited me once but i haven't seen

her in a long time

and of course i always go to

christopher's birthday

maybe i'm making too big a deal about

birthday parties

how i came to life i like when mom tells

this story because it makes me laugh so

much

it's not funny and the way a joke is

funny but when mom tells it

via and i just start cracking up so when

i was in my mom's stomach no one had any

idea i would come out looking the way i

look

mom had had via four years before and

that had been such a

walk in the park mom's expression that

there was no reason to run any special

tests

about two months before i was born the

doctors realized there was something

wrong with my face

but they didn't think it was going to be

bad they told mom and dad i had a cleft

palate and some other stuff going on

and they called it small anomalies

there were two nurses in the delivery

room the night i was born

one was very nice and sweet the other

one mom said did not seem at all nice or

sweet she had very big arms and here

comes the funny part

she kept farting like she'd bring mom

some ice chips

and then fart she'd check mom's blood

pressure

and fart mom said it was unbelievable

because the nurse never even said excuse

me

meanwhile mom's regular doctor wasn't on

duty that night so mom got stuck with

this cranky kid doctor she and dad

nicknamed doogie

after some old tv show or something they

didn't actually call him that to his

face

but mom says that even though everyone

in the room was kind of grumpy

dad kept making her laugh all night long

when i came out of mom's stomach

she said the whole room got very quiet

mom didn't even get a chance to look at

me because the nice nurse

immediately rushed me out of the room

dad was in such a hurry to follow her

that he dropped the video camera

which broke into a million pieces

and then mom got very upset and tried to

get out of bed to see where they were

going

but the farting nurse put her very big

arms on mom to keep her down in the bed

they were practically fighting because

mom was hysterical

and the farting nurse was yelling at her

to stay calm

and then they both started screaming for

the doctor

but guess what he had fainted right on

the floor

so when the farting nurse saw that he

had fainted she started pushing him with

her foot to get him to wake up

yelling at him the whole time what kind

of doctor are you

what kind of doctor are you get up get

up

and then all of a sudden she let off the

biggest

loudest smelliest fart in the history of

farts mom thinks it was actually the

fart that finally woke the doctor up

anyway when mom tells this story she

acts out all the parts

including the farting noises and it is

so so

so so funny

mom says the farting nurse turned out to

be a very nice woman

she stayed with mom the whole time

didn't leave her side

even after dad came back and the doctors

told them how sick i was

mom remembers exactly what the nurse

whispered in her ear

when the doctor told her i probably

wouldn't live through the night

everyone born of god overcometh the

world

and the next day after i had lived

through the night

it was that nurse who held mom's hand

when they brought her to meet me for the

first time

mom says by then they had told her all

about me

she had been preparing herself for the

seeing of me

but she says that when she looked down

into my tiny mushed up face

for the first time all she could see was

how pretty my eyes were

mom is beautiful by the way and dad is

handsome

via is pretty in case you were wondering

christopher's house i was really bummed

when christopher moved away three years

ago

we were both around seven then we used

to spend

hours playing with our star wars action

figures and dueling with our lightsabers

i missed that last spring we drove over

to christopher's house in bridgeport

me and christopher were looking for

snacks in the kitchen

and i heard mom talking to lisa

christopher's mom

about my going to school in the fall i

had never

ever heard her mention school before

what are you talking about i said mom

looked surprised

like she hadn't meant for me to hear

that

you should tell him what you've been

thinking isabelle dad said

he was on the other side of the living

room talking to christopher's dad

we should talk about this later said mom

no

i want to know what you were talking

about i answered

don't you think you're ready for school

oggy mom said

no i said i don't either said dad

then that's it case closed i said

shrugging

and i sat in her lap like i was a baby

i just think you need to learn more than

i can teach you mom said

i mean come on auggie you know how bad i

am at fractions

what school i said i already felt like

crying

beat your prep right by us wow

that's a great school auggie said lisa

patting my knee

why not via school i said that's too big

mom answered

i don't think that would be a good fit

for you i don't want to i said

my admit i made my voice sound a little

babyish

you don't have to do anything you don't

want to do dad said

coming over and lifting me out of mom's

lap he carried me over to sit on his lap

on the other side of the sofa

we won't make you do anything you don't

want to do

but it would be good for him nate mom

said

not if he doesn't want to answer dad

looking at me

not if he's not ready i saw mom look at

lisa

who reached over and squeezed her hand

you guys will figure it out she said to

mom you always have

let's just talk about it later said mom

i could tell she and dad were going to

get in a fight about it

i wanted dad to win the fight though a

part of me

knew mom was right and the truth is

she really was terrible at fractions

driving it was a long drive home

i fell asleep in the back seat like i

always do

my head on via's lap like she was my

pillow

a towel wrapped around the seat belt so

i wouldn't jewel all over her

via fell asleep too and mom and dad talk

quietly about grown-up things i didn't

care about

i don't know how long i was sleeping but

when i woke up there was a full moon

outside the car window

it was a purple night and we were

driving on a highway full of cars

and then i heard mom and dad talking

about me

we can't keep protecting him mom

whispered to dad who was driving

we can't just pretend he's going to wake

up tomorrow and this isn't going to be

his reality

because it is nate and we have to help

him learn to deal with it

we can't just keep avoiding situations

that

so sending him off to middle school like

a lamb to the slaughter

dad answered angrily but he didn't even

finish his sentence because he saw me in

the mirror looking up

what's a lamb to the slaughter i asked

sleepily

go back to sleep auggie dad said softly

everyone will stare at me at school i

said suddenly crying

honey mom said she turned around in the

front seat and put her hand on my hand

you know if you don't want to do this

you don't have to

but we spoke to the principal there and

told him about you

and he really wants to meet you what did

you tell him about me

how funny you are how kind and smart

when i told him you read dragon writer

when you were six he was like

wow i have to meet this kid did you tell

him anything else

i said mom smiled at me

her smile kind of hugged me i told him

about all your surgeries and how brave

you are she said

so he knows what i look like i asked

well we brought pictures from last

summer in montauk

dad said we showed him pictures of the

whole family

and that great shot of you holding that

flounder on the boat

you were there too i have to admit

i felt a little disappointed that he was

a part of this

we both talked to him yes dad said he's

a really nice man

you would like him mom added suddenly it

felt like they were on the same

side wait so when did you meet him i

said

he took us on a tour of the school last

year said mom last year i said

so you've been thinking about this for a

whole year and you didn't tell me

we didn't know if you'd even get in

auggie answered mom

it's a very hard school to get into

there's a whole admissions process

i didn't see the point in telling you

and having you get all worked up about

it unnecessarily

but you're right auggie we should have

told you when we found out last month

that you got in

said dad in hindsight

side mom yes i guess

did that lady who came to the house that

time have something to do with this i

said

the one that gave me that test

yes actually said mom looking guilty yes

you told me it was an iq test i said

i know well that was a white lie she

answered

it was the test you needed to take to

get into the school

you did very well on it by the way so

you lied

i said a white lie but yes

sorry she said trying to smile but when

i didn't smile back

she turned around in her seat and faced

forward

what's a lamb to the slaughter i said

mom's siding gave daddy a look

i shouldn't have said that dad said

looking at me in the rearview mirror

it's not true here's the thing mommy and

i love you so much we want to protect

you

any way we can it's just sometimes

we want to do it in different ways i

don't want to go to school i answered

folding my arms it would be good for you

auggie said mom maybe i'll go next year

i answered

looking out the window this year would

be better auggie

said mom you know why because you'll be

going into fifth grade

and that's the first year of middle

school for everyone

you won't be the only new kid i'll be

the only kid who looks like me i said

i'm not going to say it won't be a big

challenge for you because you knew

better than that she answered

but it'll be good for you auggie you'll

make lots of friends

and you'll learn things you'd never

learn with me she turned in her seat

again and looked at me

when we took the tour you know what they

had in their science lab

a little baby chick that was just

hatching out of its egg

it was so cute auggie had actually kind

of reminded me of you when you were a

little baby

with those big brown eyes of yours

i usually love when they talk about when

i was a baby

sometimes i want to curl up into a

little tiny ball and let them hug me and

kiss me all over

i miss being a baby not knowing stuff

but i wasn't in the mood for that now i

don't want to go

i said how about this

can you at least meet mr tushman before

making up your mind mom asked

mr tushman i said he's the principal

answered mom

mr tushman i repeated i know right dad

answered

smiling and looking at me in the

rearview mirror can you believe that

name

auggie i mean who on earth would ever

agree to have a name like mr tushman

i smiled even though i didn't want to

let them see me smile

dad was the one person in the world who

could make me laugh

no matter how much i didn't want to

laugh

dad always made everyone laugh auggie

you know you should go to that school

just so you can hear his name set over

the loudspeaker

dad said excitedly can you imagine how

funny that would be

hello hello paging mr tushman

he was using a fake high old lady voice

hi mr dishman i see you're running a

little

behind today did your car get rear-ended

again

what a bum rap i started laughing

not even because i thought he was being

that funny but because i wasn't in the

mood to stay mad anymore

it could be worse though dad continued

in his normal voice

mommy and i had a professor in college

called miss butt

mom was laughing now too is that for

real i said

roberta butt mom answered raising her

hand as if to swear

bobby butt she had huge

cheeks said dad nate said mom

what she had big cheeks is all i'm

saying

mom laughed and shook her head at the

same time

hey hey i know said dad excitedly let's

fix them up on a blind date

can you imagine miss butt meet mr

tushman mr tushman here's miss butt

they could get married and have a bunch

of little tushies

poor mr tushman answered mom shaking her

head

auggie hasn't even met the man yet nate

who's mr tushman via said groggly

she had just woken up he's the principal

of my new school

i answered