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Normal: One Kid's Extraordinary Journey

by Magdalena Newman

Subject
Biography & Autobiography - General
Age
9-12 years
Format
Hardcover
Pages
336
Publisher
Clarion Books
Size
14.7 cm × 21.3 cm
ISBN
9781328631831
Praised by R.J. Palacio as “wondrous”—this moving memoir follows a teenage boy with TC syndrome and his exceptional family from diagnosis at birth to now.

“This touching memoir is a must-read for anyone who wants to know more about the real-world experiences of a child with craniofacial differences and his extraordinary family. It’s also more than that. It’s a story about the love between a mother and a son, a child and his family, and the breadth of friends, helpers, and doctors that step in when the unexpected happens. It’s a story that will make young readers reevaluate the word ‘normal’—not only as it applies to others, but to themselves. Any book that can do that is pretty wondrous, as far as I’m concerned.” —R.J. Palacio, author of Wonder


In this uplifting and humorous memoir brimming with black-and-white comic illustrations, Nathaniel and his mother, Magda, tell the story of his growing up with the same craniofacial syndrome as the boy from Wonder—from facing sixty-seven surgeries before the age of fifteen, to making friends, moving across the country, and persevering through hardships. How they tackle extraordinary circumstances with love and resilience is a true testament to Nathaniel and Magda’s extraordinary family, and to families everywhere who quietly but courageously persist.

About the creators

Magdalena NewmanAuthor

MAGDALENA NEWMAN lives in Seattle, Washington, with her husband and two sons.

Nathaniel NewmanAuthor

Magdalena and Nathaniel Newman live in Seattle, Washington, together with the rest of the family—dad, brother, and 4 dogs.

Data provided by BiblioShare.

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What reviewers said

“In another moment of wonder for the Newmans, Magda and Nathaniel are now authors themselves, just finishing their new book titled aptly enough, NORMAL: One Kid’s Extraordinary Journey.” — 20/20, ABC-TV "[A] narrative that capably explores self-image, human dynamics, and the meaning of normality." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books "Despite being dubbed 'Auggie Pullman come to life,' Nathaniel abundantly shows that he's his own multifaceted person... Funny, compassionate, and thoughtful." —Kirkus "Nathaniel’s story will inspire all children to celebrate their differences." —Bookl…
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© 2026 Peekabooks Inc. All Rights Reserved.