The Terrible Thing that Happened to Barnaby Brocket, written by John Boyne and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers

"Only, to his great surprise, Barnaby didn't enjoy feeling like the rest of them" (p.50).

Barnaby Brocket was born to defy the norm, and by norm I mean the law of gravity. From the time he was born, his feet never touched the ground, unless, he was tied or weighted down, of course. Barnaby didn't ask for this, though, his oddly normal parents are convinced this is a lifestyle choice. 

They are so inept at dealing with their son's state that he is not allowed to go outdoors until he is old enough to go to school, at which time, they send him to "The Graveling Academy for Unwanted Children." Here, he finds others that don't quite fit the mold; like a boy with no hands and a girl who speaks backward. This odd boy finally starts to feel normal when a disaster shuts down the school and sends him back to his dreadfully normal parents.

Though, his siblings are glad to have their brother back, his parents are less than amused. They are so discontented, in fact, that while on a walk to the beach, Banaby's mother lets the sand out of the sandbags that are keeping him grounded, sending him floating away. Floating into the unknown, without parents, friends, or even a compass, Barnaby is overcome with fear of the unknown. All, at the ripe old age of eight. 

This terrifying experience turns out to be Barnaby's saving grace, as he floats into the loving arms of Ethel and Marjorie who are on a hot air balloon adventure. They take him in and do all in their power to grant his wish to return home to the parents that so heartlessly let him go. Along the way Barnaby finds a number of other outcasts that have found their way: an artist shunned from his wealthy family and a disfigured art critic not given the time of day by his famous family until he runs in the same famous crowd. Though, these sweet souls only have his well-being in mind, the evil circus director that kidnaps him has other intentions. 

Floating from Sydney to New York to Toronto, Barnaby encounters many architectural landmarks and passes a number of life landmarks as well, as he comes to terms with who he his, who people want him to be, and who he will choose to be. 

This is an impeccably told story that can be enjoyed by a younger crowd for the surface value of witty characters and unbelievable adventure, but can also be the starting point for some deep discussion about how people that don't fit society's traditional definition of "normal" are currently treated and should be treated. For the older reader, it's evident that Ethel and Marjorie are a couple and Vincente's partner is a cross-dresser, but for readers of all ages it is easy to see the many examples of how people can be so horribly mistreated and even disowned for the way they were born.