I will admit that I haven't read this book for a while!
But here's an attempt!
The song:
Wonder, by Natalie Merchant.
The lyrics:
Doctors have come from distant cities just to see me
Stand over my bed, disbelieving what they're seeing
They say I must be one of the wonders, God's own creation
And as far as they see, they can offer no explanation
Newspapers ask intimate questions, want confessions
They reach into my head to steal the glory of my story
They say I must be one of the wonders, God's own creation
And as far as they see, they can offer no explanation
Ooh, I believe
Fate smiled and destiny
Laughed as she came to my cradle
Know this child will be able
Laughed as my body, she lifted
Know this child will be gifted
With love, with patience, and with faith
She'll make her way
She'll make her way
People see me, I'm a challenge to your balance
I'm over your heads, how I confound you and astound you
To know I must be one of the wonders, God's own creation
And as far as you see, you can offer me no explanation
Ooh, I believe
Fate smiled and destiny
Laughed as she came to my cradle
Know this child will be able
Laughed as she came to my mother
Know this child will not suffer
Laughed as my body, she lifted
Know this child will be gifted
With love, with patience, and with faith
She'll make her way
She'll make her way
She'll make her way
How does this connect to the book?
This song is about a very different, exceptional child that overcomes and "makes her way." This story is about a young girl who loses her parents but still finds her way with grace and hope. Willow is accused of cheating on a test because she did so well. Her counselor, Dell Duke, believes her. This relates to the part of the song that says, "They say I must be one of the wonders, God's own creation. And as far as they see, they can offer no explanation."