Normal Review

[Stephanie]

A real life Wonder, Normal is the story of Nathaniel Newman, a boy born with Treacher Collins syndrome. The story is told through alternating voices; Magda (Nathaniel's mom) and Nathaniel. Magda's voice is much more serious, you experience the fear a parent feels when raising a child with special needs because they are focused on the future and what could go wrong. The beauty of the book is that Nathaniel has a much lighter voice. He has a wonderful outlook on life, constantly questioning what is normal and is peppered with cute comics. It also gives you an opportunity to see that we often put our uncertainty and fear on our children or other people. Great book for discussion with children about how to approach somebody who may look different from you, how perception can change your attitude, and what is normal really.