Lionsgate is planning a feature film adaptation of R.J. Palacio's recent bestselling novel, Wonder and, today Variety reports that John August is close to signing on to provide the screenplay. Released this past February, the book is officially described as follows:

August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school—until now. He's about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, and if you've ever been the new kid then you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, despite appearances?

August most recently scripted Tim Burton's two 2012 releases, Dark Shadows and Frankenweenie. Assuming the deal goes through, he'll work alongside producers David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman.

You can check out a trailer for the book itself in the player below: