For fans of Wonder, Chris Baron's The Magical Imperfect is an
affecting middle grade story of two outcasts who become friends...
Etan has stopped speaking since his mother left. His father and
grandfather don't know how to help him. His friends have given up on
him.
When Etan is asked to deliver a grocery order to the outskirts of town,
he realizes he's at the home of Malia Agbayani, also known as the
Creature. Malia stopped going to school when her acute eczema spread to
her face, and the bullying became too much.
As the two become friends, other kids tease Etan for knowing the
Creature. But he believes he might have a cure for Malia's condition, if
only he can convince his family and hers to believe it too. Even if it
works, will these two outcasts find where they fit in?