“Before there was a Mysterious Benedict Society, there was simply a boy named Nicholas Benedict. Nine-year-old Nicholas Benedict has more problems than most children his age. Not only is he an orphan with an unfortunate nose, but also he has narcolepsy, a condition that gives him terrible nightmares and makes him fall asleep at the worst possible moments. Now he’s being sent to a new orphanage, where he encounters vicious bullies, selfish adults, strange circumstances- and a mystery that could change his life forever. Luckily, he has one important thing in his favor: He’s a genius. On his quest to solve the mystery, Nicholas finds enemies around every corner, but also friends in unexpected places- and discovers along the way that the greatest puzzle of all is himself. Meet the boy who started it all.”

~From the back of “The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict”

“The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict” is a book about friends, family, and home that is seen throughout the book through many different places and people. While this book is a prequel to the New York Times Bestselling series, The Mysterious Benedict Society, it can be read on its own as you need no outside information to understand it. Nicholas Benedict is just a nine-year-old boy moving from orphanage to orphanage not being able to make friends due to his narcolepsy and “strange nose” which has a vague resemblance to a squash. Nicholas has to learn that there is a place for him somewhere and that he does in fact have people that care for him and love him.

Many children go through a time in their lives where they feel like they can accomplish anything and that’s the exact point that Nicholas Benedict is in in his life. However, due to his differences, he has to deal with a lot, including others ignoring his entire being. He does, however, have interesting and unique ways to deal with these problems. A few examples are tricking bullies into getting in trouble, or replacing prick with paper mache to have an emergency exit. Nicholas is as careful as can be, however, as he is only a child, he still makes mistakes. He might think he’s understood something when really it’s all wrong. He often overlooks something like when he thinks he’s never going to find the answer to a problem, even when the answer has been right in front of him the whole time.

This book is a wonderfully written book using unique ways to describe scenery and presents interesting ways to view and approach problems in the world around you. Trenton Lee Stewart uses logic and problem solving in unique and different ways that isn’t normally seen in YA books and explores themes in a way that is usually seen in a Roald Dahl children’s book like “Matilda” but has the depth and adventure of a “Harry Potter” book. Stewart uses patterns and analogies to describe the world and scenery and his characters are so well written. He always ties the loose ends in ways that you hadn’t even thought about at the end of his books. Also, Stewart always uses wordplay in all the riddles and tests he uses in his books. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who’s interested in mysteries, action, adventures, and puzzles. There are elements of many genres in this book, and if you enjoy it, the prequel series, “The Mysterious Benedict Society,” is another great read to get hooked on, too.