Lionsgate has acquired the rights to author R.J. Palacio’s bestseller, Wonder, and is setting up screenwriter John August (Frankenweenie) to pen the adaptation, Collider said.

The pre-teen story, which has been on the New York Times’ bestseller list since it debuted in February, centers on a 10-year-old boy with a facial deformity who attempts to fit in at school.

Told from multiple points of view, Wonder explores the themes of bullying, empathy, kindness and, ultimately, acceptance. August has yet to close the deal on adapting Wonder, which will be produced by David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman of Mandeville Films. Hit the jump for more.

Variety reported that August is in talks to adapt Wonder for Lionsgate. The studio’s recent deal-making for young-adult film adaptations include Oscar-winner Charlie Kaufman (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) to adapt the dystopian tome, Chaos Walking, from Patrick Ness, and Emmy-winner Danny Strong (Game Change) for both Mockingjay films from Suzanne Collins’ bestselling Hunger Games series. August’s recent works include story work on Dark Shadows and the screenplay for Frankenweenie.