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You can't blend in when you are born to stand out

Published:Tuesday | November 21, 2017 | 12:00 AM
Oscar Award winner Julia Roberts (Isabel) and Jacob Tremblay (Auggie) in a scene from ‘Wonder’.

He is 10 years old, has endured 27 surgical operations, his left eye tugs downward, his ears are bulbs of flesh, and his face is framed by a pinkish ring of scar tissue, but he is more than just a kid with facial disfigurements. He is a brainy, good-hearted kid with a desire to be treated like an ordinary fifth-grader.

Auggie, who was born with Treacher Collins Syndrome (TCS), which prevented him from going to a mainstream school, becomes the most unlikely of heroes when he enters the local fifth grade. As his family and friends struggle with his acceptance at school, Auggie's extraordinary journey unites them all and teaches that true beauty goes beyond physicality.

Wonder is based on the New York Times bestseller. It is directed by Stephen Chbosky, who also writes the screenplay with Steven Conrad. The film stars Oscar Award winner Julia Roberts (Isabel), Oscar Award nominee Owen Wilson (Nate), Jacob Tremblay (Auggie), and Izabela Vidovic (Via).