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Screenwise Verdict
This is the real deal—a memoir that delivers on the 'perfect for fans of Wonder' promise without being a knockoff. Hoge's story is compelling, his voice is authentic, and the book manages to be both funny and deeply moving without veering into inspiration porn territory.
What makes this work so well is that Hoge doesn't present himself as superhuman or saintly. He's just a kid who happened to be born with a face that made people uncomfortable, and he figured out how to live his life anyway. The bullying scenes are honest but not gratuitous, the medical stuff is explained clearly without being gross, and the whole thing moves at a good clip.
This is exactly the kind of book that should be in every middle school classroom and library. It's the rare memoir that actually teaches empathy and inclusion through lived experience rather than lecturing about it. Plus, it's genuinely engaging to read, which is half the battle with middle-grade nonfiction.
Age Fit
Best for ages 9-14, though the honest, unsentimental storytelling appeals to adults too. Younger readers (8-9) can handle it with some guidance, while teens will appreciate the authenticity and humor. This is one of those rare memoirs that works across a wide age range because it doesn't talk down to anyone.
WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
88
A genuine, emotionally honest memoir that models resilience, self-acceptance, and courage without sugarcoating the difficult realities of living with visible differences. Hoge's tone is spirited and funny rather than preachy, showing how he navigated bullying and cruelty while maintaining his humanity. The narrative promotes empathy and kindness through lived experience rather than moralizing.
Imaginative
72
While this is a true story rather than fiction, Hoge's storytelling is engaging and invites readers to see the world through a radically different perspective. The memoir format itself requires imaginative empathy—understanding what it's like to face constant stares and judgment. However, it's not a book that sparks creative building or exploration in the traditional sense; it's more about expanding worldview and perspective-taking.
Safe
85
Age-appropriate for middle-grade readers with only one mild profanity ('hell'). The content deals with serious topics—medical procedures, bullying, social rejection—but handles them in a way that's honest without being graphic or traumatizing. The medical descriptions are matter-of-fact rather than gruesome. The bullying scenes are real but not gratuitously detailed. No sexual content, violence, or other inappropriate material for the target age group.
Enriching
92
Exceptional for building empathy, understanding disability, and learning about resilience and self-advocacy. Perfect for classroom discussions about inclusion, unconscious bias, and what it means to be different. Provides concrete examples of how to handle bullying and discrimination. The memoir format gives readers insight into lived experience with disability in a way that's far more powerful than abstract lessons. Highly recommended by educators for teaching inclusion and diversity.
Parent Info
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Why It Might Be Great
Builds genuine empathy for people with visible differences without being preachy or saccharine
Hoge's voice is spirited, funny, and real—he doesn't present himself as a hero or victim, just a kid navigating a tough situation
Perfect for classroom discussions about inclusion, disability, and unconscious bias
Shows concrete examples of resilience and self-advocacy that kids can actually learn from
Highly accessible writing that keeps middle-grade readers engaged while tackling serious topics
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What to Watch For
Honest descriptions of bullying and social rejection—some scenes may be emotionally difficult for sensitive readers
Medical procedures are described matter-of-factly but aren't graphic
Kids who are currently being bullied might find it validating or potentially triggering—know your child
One instance of mild profanity ('hell')
Conversation Starters
"What do you think Robert meant when he said being 'ugly' made him who he is?"
"Have you ever felt like people judged you based on how you look? How did that feel?"
"Robert talks about the big decision he had to make—what would you have chosen and why?"
"What's something you learned about disability or differences from reading this book?"
"How do you think Robert's family helped him become so confident?"
