The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict

The Mysterious Benedict Society #0

by Trenton Lee Stewart, Diana Sudyka (Illustrator)

Before there was a Mysterious Benedict Society, there was simply a boy named Nicholas Benedict - now it's time to meet the boy who started it all. Nine-year-old Nicholas Benedict has more problems than most children his age. Not only is he an orphan with an unfortunate nose, but he also 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 will encounter vicious bullies, selfish adults, strange circumstances -- and a mystery that could change his life forever. Luckily, he has one important thing in his 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.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Adventure, Childrens, Fantasy

471 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 10, 2012

About the author

Trenton Lee Stewart is the author of the award-winning, bestselling Mysterious Benedict Society series for young readers; The Secret Keepers, also for young readers; and the adult novel Flood Summer. He lives in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Letters to the author may be sent to:

Trenton Lee Stewart
PO Box 251358
Little Rock, AR 72225

Reviews

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps even more enjoyable than the Mysterious Benedict Society; I really liked the young Nicholas Benedict and his adventures at a new orphanage. It almost felt like I was back at Hogwarts. There's something captivating about following a new kid at a big, old fashioned school that is part fascinating and part scary, part welcoming and part awe-inspiring. Add to that some down-to-earth friends, some plotting enemies, some ambiguous teachers and some mysterious predecessors (who've planted a treasure) and I'm under the spell.

I really do like Nicholas. In this book he goes from being a good person to becoming an even better person (I cried by the end). I found it impressive that this change was inspired by seeing the striking goodness of a particular adult, and to me this seemed novel for a children's book.

Nicholas also makes 'super intelligence' look like so much fun. You can't help but want to imitate him with his extraordinary memory, his astuteness in observing things and tuning in to detail, and his capacity for detecting what other people need.

There is some realistic friendship development, particularly with one boy who sometimes lacks the courage to stand up for his friend for fear of drawing the attention of the baddies to himself. But once he faces his weakness he is able to overcome it, and the friendship becomes deeper than before.

And the story conveys a profound appreciation for the treasure of books, especially with Nicholas' talent for reading a large one in 10 mins and memorising the entire thing! Don't I wish... www.GoodReadingGuide.com

[Mary Herceg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful, heartwarming, and spirited story. In The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict, a brilliant but lonely orphaned boy discovers an intriguing puzzle and ultimately finds friendship and purpose as he tries to solve it.

Nicholas Benedict is only nine years old, but he has many times more intelligence, curiosity, and resourcefulness than most adults ever attain. But even at such a young age, he’s had a disappointing and difficult life. He’s been passed from one orphanage to another, and life has only ever dealt him hard knocks, injustice, and misfortune. His brilliant mind and memory often get him into trouble, even though it also helps him find ways out of it.

And people, as well as life, have never failed to let him down. He believes that people, especially adults, can’t be trusted, and that relying on himself, and himself alone, is the only way to survive. So he remains independent and constantly on guard against a world that is out to get him.

But despite this disillusionment and difficult life experience, young Nicholas retains an irrepressible, cheerful, wondering, observant, unfailingly optimistic, and lively spirit. He doesn’t let hardship, or anything else, get him down or make him despair, even when life constantly conspires against him. And he continues to fight and wiggle his way out of each unfortunate situation he encounters.

But that spirit is hard to maintain, and he must fight for it. And when everything he’s worked for and hoped in comes crashing down, his endurance and spirit are tested beyond what he’s weathered in the past.

***

I’ve been a massive a fan of The Mysterious Benedict Society from a young age, starting just after the first book was released. I have fond memories of my excitement when each successive book was released. These books were the first books I bought with my own money, and the first that were an automatic buy as soon as they were published.

I was a little older when the prequel, The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict, was published--a young teen instead of a middle-grader. But reading it for the first time was a magical experience. I think I understood the depth, the themes, and the characters in a more powerful way than I would have as a child--though I don’t think it would be lost on a thoughtful child, so maybe I’d have appreciated it just as much.

I loved this book just as much as the first Mysterious Benedict Society book--which is one of my top few favorite books of all time. I still love both books just as much as I did when I was a kid, and I appreciate the masterful writing, plot, character development, themes, and everything else even more than I used to.

The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict is very different from the main series. Unlike the Mysterious Benedict Society trilogy, prequel lacks the author’s trademark hint of fantasy, futuristic, or dystopian elements in a setting that feels contemporary and modern. Instead, The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict reads much like a gentle, classic historical fiction novel about a past decade, in the writing style, characters, setting, and events. But though quiet, thoughtful, and cheerful, Nicholas’s story is engaging, fascinating, and entertaining. I’ve never met a fan of the Mysterious Benedict Society trilogy--child, teen or adult--who didn’t enjoy the prequel just as much--or more!--than the others in the series. It’s fascinating and wonderful to see an iconic character from the trilogy grow up as a young boy--and to see the influences and qualities that made him the great man he is as an adult.

Nicholas and his story are delightful, sweet, and charming--and very, very touching, and bittersweet as well as joyful. There’s an element of intrigue and slight mystery, which is so fun, and it keeps the plot moving steadily. The depth of emotion and theme are more powerful because of the understated, skilled writing. And the character development is amazing! I love watching NIcholas grow and discover the truth about himself and the world. His personality and character are so winning and fascinating that they make the book amazing. And each of the supporting characters is lifelike and well-developed, as well--even ones who only appear briefly.

***

One scene of this book made me cry the first time I read it. It’s rare for me to cry in books, and it was unheard-of for me back then. I only cry real tears if I’m deeply, deeply moved, and if it takes me totally by surprise. It helps if it reminds me of something heartbreaking in real life, personal or distant. But I don’t cry when I’m expecting it.

Except that I did cry in the same chapter during this last reread! I knew it was coming. I’ve remembered all this time what I felt when I cried that first time, years ago. But it still moved me so much that I cried again.

Because that chapter broke my heart and healed it in the same moment, both times. It’s a wonderful climax to a bittersweetly touching book. I love the scenes of Nicholas and his loneliness and introspection. And I love the scenes of him making friends for the first time, deep, true friendships. Those things touch me and move me, as does the part when he loses everything.

But the chapter that moves me most, and made me cry, is one near the end, “The Kindness of Strangers.” The protagonist is disillusioned and world-weary at nine years old, and he trusts no one and only relies on himself. He believes the world is a cruel place in which no one will help someone they don’t know. And then a chance encounter changes his life, restores his hope and ideals. It shows him that there are good, caring, and decent people in the world, and that he can be one too. That he can trust someone other than himself. That “there’s some good in this world, and it’s worth fighting for,” to quote Lord of the Rings in a cheesy way.

That’s why this book made me cry years ago and again this month, and why it still continues to move me just as much several rereads later. There is so much more goodness in this book, but that chapter seems especially significant to me, even though it’s different than the rest of the book, and removed from it.

***
It’s so wonderful to read such a sweet, wholesome book that can be enjoyed equally well by all ages. It’s a juvenile fiction novel, but it’s mature and deep, so teens and adults can appreciate it just as much as middle-grade readers.

I highly recommend The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict to fans of historical fiction or of the main series. And I recommend The Mysterious Benedict Society to anyone who enjoys quality juvenile fiction with a slight hint of futuristic and fantasy elements. And really, to all people!! It’s my favorite juvenile fiction novel by a recent author, which I do not say lightly--it’s fabulous in every way, and I love this prequel just as much as the original.

[☆ Mira ✷ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I distinctly remember being OBSESSED with the Mysterious Benedict Society series 9 years ago and harassing my school librarian for weeks about whether the library had received the third book yet. I never read this prequel, though, and I'm so glad I did this week!! I'd describe it as a mystery set in an edgier, less wand waving version of Hogwarts. 10/10 need to reread the whole series for childhood nostalgia and giggles

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars ✨

2024 reread (x3 or x4) - audiobook - I had completely forgotten what the treasure was, but I remembered the oh so bitter sweet ending and how Mr. Benedict—then a young Nicolas—was so much like his future students. It's so neat how you can see all four of the MBS kids in a young Nicholas Benedict: Sticky with the love for knowledge, Constance for the quirky poems, Kate and the brilliant traps and actions, & then, of course, Reynie with the overall polite, smart, and quick thinking qualities.
I’m so sad to be done with my audiobook listens of the series. Especially as I still have a lot of gardening to do, and now I have no Mysterious Benedict society to do it with.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met Trenton Lee Stewart after a concert in central Arkansas several years ago. It was a funny experience because I had not read much of the Mysterious Benedict Society (if any of it) and I knew he was famous for it but couldn't think of anything to say to him. I wanted to smack my forehead afterward because it was silly to have a chance to rub shoulders with a literary celebrity but waste the opportunity by several moments of silence.

Anyway. I read the MBS series and thought they were good. A little hard to get into sometimes, but my sons love them and have read them multiple times. But then they persuaded me to set aside my grownup fare and read THIS book, insisting it was Stewart's best yet. I read the first chapter and found that I couldn't put it down. It has a narrative pace that is much more compelling than the MBS books. Its characters are more real. Its plot has neatly executed intricacies that satisfy. Its message is uplifting and inspiring.

I agree with my sons -- this is Trenton Lee Stewart's best work thus far! And now if I were to meet him again, I would have plenty to say to him, including to express my hope that it has been submitted to the Newbery committee. It is every bit as good as Louis Sachar's "Holes"; in fact I like it even more because of its power to make me want to be better, kinder -- to use my gifts to help those I care about, like Nicholas Benedict.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know what it is about these Benedict books, but they make me feel like a kid again more than any other children's books I've read as an adult. I get wrapped up in them the same way I used to with my favorites back in elementary school. It's a really nice place to visit.

That said, as much as I enjoyed learning Nicholas Benedict's early history, this book flagged so much in the middle third that I almost gave it up. I skimmed a lot because I didn't feel the clues were building fast enough towards a resolution - I needed a little less exposition, a little more action. I did like where the story ended up, however predictably, and I felt Nicholas's own self-revelations were as significant as the solution to the mystery. He was kind of an irritating, smug little bastard for a lot of the book, and I appreciated his ability to reflect upon that with satisfying conclusions.
While Nicholas's insane genius can be alienating and occasionally comes off as a mere plot contrivance (really? You picked up sign language in two seconds? Okay), I do like him as a model for how to stand up to bullies and use your nerderific powers for good. I'm sure it's encouraging to kids who get picked on for being different or "too" smart, and there's some practical advice in there as well.

Will we get to meet Nicholas as a teenager next? Now that, I'd like to see.

[Karis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I now completely understand the rave about this series. Completely! Right now I’m writing this review rubbing my grainy eyes after staying up quite beyond my bedtime to finish this book—it’s been a LONG time since I’ve been so “lost in a book” that I just had to finish it before going to sleep.

I’m not sure where to even begin in reviewing this book. Nicholas’s character is just perfectly written. Little things I enjoyed about his character were the way his “big words” flowed so naturally into his speech, his quiet thoughtfulness, his occasional deadpan humor that he uses with his friends and catches them off guard—all those things and yet they wouldn’t have made me completely respect him if the author hadn’t done yet another incredible ending which seamlessly bridged Nicholas’s character from his survival sort of mindset as an orphan in this novel to the other-centered and caring man that he is in The Mysterious Benedict Society.

The writing itself was a huge breath of fresh air for a book lover like myself. The descriptive metaphors used, how the author quietly through Nicholas’s observant and cheerful eyes creates character sketches that are so truth-revealing and human. And at times just the author’s ability to capture a moment of raw emotion from one of his characters—honestly, there were times while I was reading this book that I caught my breath or set down the book to just take it in.

Maybe the plot was simpler than The Mysterious Benedict Society, but I was enjoying the book too much to really care. All the elements I enjoyed from the first book were beautifully duplicated in this one without the more eerie elements that held me back from fully loving the first.

The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict—5 stars and great anticipation for a re-read later this year

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this book while on a road trip and it worked pretty well, although it was not what I expected. It kind of felt like I was listening to a book from the era of The Phantom Tollbooth, although this book is not nearly as old. This book was published after the third book in this series as a prequel focused on the childhood of Nicholas Benedict and how he came to be the head of the Mysterious Benedict Society. However, I have not read any of the books, so I didn't know who Nicholas Benedict was. This book would qualify as a mystery, but not in the way I think of with crime novels. It's not so much about solving a crime as it is uncovering what happened in the past and it involves a treasure hunt as Nicholas tries to survive his place as a new orphan, the target of bullies (although his wit gets him through it), and being shunned by everyone else because they're too afraid of the bullies to become friends with him. Even though it was not what I was expecting, I still enjoyed this book and it makes me intrigued enough to read the rest of the books, although I imagine Nicholas Benedict will be an adult and it will be other kids who will be at the center of the story. What I like about these stories is how interesting the kids are and that they're all a bit quirky and think outside the box. I liked to think I would have been friends with such kids. The other thing is that they're all orphans and they are survivors. I look forward to the rest of the series.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict is indeed a most extraordinary book that I loved from the beginning and one that I will definitely read again. It's a very enjoyable, fun, easy to follow piece of literature that readers young and old will love. This wonderful story has kept me up into late hours of the night, and early hours of morning, urging me to keep on turning the pages because I didn't want to put it down.

All the characters felt real and present, my favourite definitely being Nicholas; the nine-year old orphaned genius boy with narcolepsy who can read a book in five minutes, fix pretty much anything, and get startled to sleep. I've never read a book before with someone like him in it, and I can't wait to read The Mysterious Benedict Society.

I loved how everything turned out in the end and it was overall very satisfying, from the writing style, to the plot, and to the separate life and development of each character. I recommend this book to anybody and everybody.

4.5 stars

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking to find a new bed time author for my 11yo son, I came across this book and we devoured it. I am not sure who enjoyed out the most. Him listening to me or me reading it aloud. It is a wonderfully written book that gives a narrator duo much to work with.
Yes, it is a bit wordy and could be 25% shorter, but hey! When you are reading to your children what's the point in finishing quickly and being asked to re-read something you've read a hundred times before? Selby or Dr Zeus anyone?

Great story and had my boy predicting out loud what he say as fore shadowing, which I was impressed with.

[Lovely Day]

DNFd at 18% because I was bored

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This was my first time to read any of the Mysterious Benedict Society books and I had such a good time getting to know young Nicholas Benedict and his friends. Of course I particularly enjoyed how quickly he could devour and remember books and how much a facet of his character that is.

Highly recommended for middle grades and up: even adults!

[Hannah Landis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous book! This series is excellent for all ages. This includes you Jared.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, like all of the books in the series. I am just sad that there aren't any more Benedict adventures left!

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-Read April ‘21 - I have now hit the limit of procrastinating genetics. I remember this one being my favorite - still absolutely beloved, but the excitement has slightly worn off. Wish I could come back to these books fresh and unspoiled again!

Original Review: I adored this, completely unsurprisingly, since this whole series has captured my heart. (I scored a 4-book hardcover set for $12, so no more forced borrowings. ;) Oh, and I also knew precisely what the treasure was on p. 154 (which also happens to be the first quote from Mr. Rothschild's diary) and knew precisely what happened to John on p. 370 (which also happens to be the first mention that anything has happened), so I think I'm starting to pick up even faster on TLS' plot devices - not that that makes anything less fun!

[Lynette ~ Talia's Tomes ~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot wait to read this book!
I LOVE The Mysterious Benedict Society, and was SOOOO psyched when I learned that a new book was coming out.

UPDATE:
Simply put, I LOVED THIS BOOK.

[Dave J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd like to preface this review by saying that my opinion of this book has changed drastically. My initial impression of it five years ago was colored heavily by Stewart's flagship series, which I had wanted to see more of, and so I was not willing to appreciate the different and altogether refreshing experience that Extraordinary Education was offering. Now that I've put to rest my rose-tinted adoration for TMBS, I've discovered that Stewart succeeded in this prequel where I once thought he'd failed. For posterity's sake, you can still read my original off-the-rails review here. I'm not proud of it, but I am proud of how I've changed the way I approach and review new books.

And now, onto the new review.

***

If I were to try and describe Trenton Lee Stewart's books to you, I'd say they are novels that shift between a sea of chaos and a sea of calm. There are eye-catching hues of madness and beauty within his children's stories, reminiscent of tales such as Alice in Wonderland, Peppermints in the Parlor, and A Series of Unfortunate Events. They are rife with characters who are brimming with life and lunacy, wit and willpower. And then, on the flip-side, we have Stewart's adult fare such as Flood Summer, which features a darker realism that is at once momentous, nostalgic, and phantasmagorical; you try to reach out and grasp the dreamy feeling, but you might as well be trying to hold a moonbeam in your hand.

And so, between these two storytelling hemispheres lies Extraordinary Education (EE): a marvelous story chock-full of twists and turns, crushing moments, joyous moments, absurd and lovable characters, and of course, a good ol' fashioned mystery. I would even go so far as to say there are touches of mannerpunk and a Dickensian cruelty within the novel, which really ticks the boxes for me. I don't know how he does it, but Stewart has written some of the most engaging and impactful stories I've ever read. They are touching, well-written, inspirational, and bursting with liveliness. You get an authentic sense that Stewart still understands what it's like to be young, and his respect for you, the reader, allows him to write stories that not only appeal greatly to kids, but also tap into that inner child within adults; that youthful self of never-ending summers and grand adventures.

From the outset, EE's story had me hooked. Stewart transitions seamlessly from scene to scene, conflict to conflict, revealing just enough information to tease the imagination and provide some excellent set-ups for the novel's twists. The Manor, a relic of a thing, is home to a numerous amount of weird goings-on, all of which serve to build an eerie tone in relation to both the characters and the mystery at hand. In comparison to the main TMBS story, EE's is a more subdued, subtle, and personal tale, but no less powerful. In fact, I find it to be even more powerful because of the deep look we're given into part of Nicholas Benedict's past. And if you're paying attention enough to details, you can see how certain things in the future of the series' timeline are getting set into motion. Certain matters that are staples of Stewart's novels—such as misery, loneliness, triumph, and acceptance—are once again brought to the fore and explored with meticulous care. Stewart holds nothing back here when it comes to meaningful, heart-tugging moments. So moved was I during certain scenes that I just had to lean back in my chair and stare, awestruck, at the ceiling, a flood of memories and compassion for the characters filling my head. From writer to reader, the passion was passed on. I shook my head in disbelief, pleased to know that a writer such as Stewart was able to have such an effect on me.

Now, a good Stewart novel is never without it's excellent cast of characters, and EE has a veritable trove of characters both dim and sharp, reserved and wild, mirthless and witty. Though Stewart's novels are often dark, there are always characters who dare to battle this darkness, bringing about any positive change they can. It is a conflict older than time, and yet here in EE it feels practically new—it is a joy to read about. Nicholas Benedict himself is an endlessly prodigious but flawed character, always innovating and circumventing; always acting as a catalyst wherever he goes, and it is his presence that allows this novel to shine as it does. I've mentioned in my review of TMBS #1 that Stewart is often compared to Lemony Snicket, but again, Stewart's characters and his broader scope of vision allow him to surpass Snicket in terms of characters' growth and complexity. Anybody who sees Reynie Muldoon or Nicholas Benedict as a copy of Klaus Baudelaire is simply not looking hard enough. The supporting cast of EE complements Nicholas, as well. Without them, the book would become hollow, for every presence has weight within the story. Indeed, I cared for the others as much as I did Nicholas, their symbiosis and discord affecting my equilibrium in ways that are hard to evoke with words.

I'm not sure why I was so put off by the pacing during my first read of EE (probably due to my extreme disappointment back then), but now, I don't find it to be a problem at all. With every new sentence comes a new development, and there is never any wasted space. Here and there, Stewart will linger, as he is prone to do, but these lingering parts are still enjoyable to read, contributing to character development and the overall "living" setting of the novel. The eccentric Manor that Stewart puts his characters into never cease to delight me; its distinct tone, timelessness, and frightening implications always manage to deepen my interest in the world and characters as events transpire. Too often, authors don't realize the importance of developing their world in the same way they would one of their characters, thus leading to settings that are simply the backdrop for whatever story they want to tell, failing to reflect the characters that are present within them. Stewart, on the other hand, takes better care of his settings, a Wonderland sort of care, and here in EE he draws upon old fantasy tales and Gothic stories for EE's success. Every chapter flows into the next—the zaniness and laughter to be had within each one facilitating this streamlined experience. Rarely do I find a book that I wish wouldn't end, but alas, Extraordinary Education had to come to a close.

It pains me to say that I don't know if we'll ever get something quite like this from Stewart ever again. I wish I could write a story like this: a story so complete, so heartwarming and humorous, yet also gloomy and Gothic, and overall, just a splendid example of modern literature. This may not be what die-hard fans of The Mysterious Benedict Society are looking for, but truly, Extraordinary Education breaks the series' mold with aplomb, delivering a far more enriching and powerful narrative despite its isolated nature. And within the exceptional experience, you will yet find its treasure. You need only search for it.

[Steven · Rating 2 out of 5]

Words can't explain how much this book disappointed me.

Trenton Lee Stewart. THE Trenton Lee Stewart. He wrote this book? Where's the Trenton I idolized who wrote The Mysterious Benedict Society Trilogy? Where is that brilliant author who opened my eyes to the world of reading?

The book went from boring to boring-er. The setting was isolated in their own little place. Trenton forgot to use his imagination. Halfway through the book, the story went on and on and on and on about a stupid treasure. They put all their effort on a treasure they were not even sure existed. Like whaaaaaat? And then Trenton tried fitting all the exciting parts at the end of the book. And by 'exciting' I mean 'not THAT boring.' There were REALLY REALLY REALLY insignificant characters in the book. The book would've flowed without them, but apparently, Trenton's creative juices weren't working that time. I don't know how he connected this story to The Mysterious Benedict Society, but he did. The book ended abruptly, as if Trenton suddenly got exhausted of writing and decided to stop the book right then and there. WELL, IF HE JUST CUT OUT THOSE REDUNDANT MEETUPS WITH JOHN AND VIOLET, THERE WOULD'VE BEEN LESS WASTED PAGES.

I STILL HAVE SO MANY RANTS ABOUT THIS BOOK BUT I CAN'T SEEM TO EXPRESS THEM IN WORDS. I AM REALLY SORRY FOR THIS VERY INFORMAL REVIEW BUT PLEASE EXCUSE ME, I'M TOO DISAPPOINTED IN HIM.

I'm sorry to all the fans of this book, but sad to say, this is a mere shadow of what Trenton could do. I'm so disappointed right now, I won't even try finishing this sente-

[Mimi 'Pans' Herondale · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY GOD!

This book was exactly as I wanted it to be. I actually liked it better than I thought I would!

Favorite characters: Nicholas and his two friends. I mean, the others were all mean and evil! I mean, usually I like villains, but this one was not one of my favorite characters!

AND THE END WAS AMAZEBALLS! Oh my god, it was better than I would have thought! And the treasure was perfect. I am not going to tell you what and where it was, because that would be a spoiler, but to me it was perfect.

And the plot, a orphan boy who when he reads he reads books in minutes and then remembers everything he reads? I MEAN, WHO WOULD NOT LOVE THAT!!?? That would be awesome. And his two friends were also great.

OK, and that concludes my review of 'The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict'. I would recommend this book to humans ages 10 and up. It was a little long, but me being a speed reader I read it in about two hours straight!

[Bella · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an incredible journey that was. I am very glad to have made my way to Rothschild End. I hope that my further adventures with Nicholas, John and Violet will be just as intriguing and wonderful. This is a wonderful introduction into the series and a must read for anyone who is currently reading or has finished the series.

Onward to the next one!!

[✧ hayley (the sugar bowl) ✧ · Rating 4 out of 5]

➳ 4 ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚

╰┈➤ ”i prefer to remain mysterious.”

this was so much fun and i loved getting to spend time with baby nicholas ™

i didn’t enjoy it as much as the original series but if you’ve read mbs then i’d highly recommend ✨


୧ ‧₊˚ 🍓 ⋅ ☆

[Sameeksha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore this book. I am ecstatic about the fact that this book exists and I came to know about it.
I loved it, cried with it and in the end I just couldn't stop thinking about it and its characters. Especially its characters!!! They will always be close to my heart.

Summary
This book is is prequel to The Mysterious Benedict Society series. Here we are introduced to, a nine year old boy Nicholas Benedict when he is being transferred from one orphanage to another. He is not sure whether to be happy or sad, but he has decided that he will keep his situation a secret. Well, not the sleeping situation, he can't hide that, you see, he suffers from narcolepsy, a condition that makes him sleep at worst possible situation and also gives him nightmares, but the other situation which includes him being smarter than the most adults and his photographic memory, will not be seen by others.

As Nicholas expected, this orphanage too has its bullies and worst special circumstances to compensate his narcolepsy making him a primary target of those bullies but the things he did not expect was the orphanage to have a mystery and him to find friends as he sets to solve the mystery.

Writing: I loved the storytelling tone and the pacing of this book. It is easy to read and get absorbed in the world which writer is creating
Characters: I became a fan of the author's character descriptions as I got attached to all the main characters. The author Trenton Lee Stewart has done a wonderful job in writing nine year old and twelve/ ten year old kids which made you feel for them and with them. Nick's character arc is the most beautiful description I have had the chance to read till this moment of my life.
Twists and Ending: I liked the twists done here and was able to predict one.
I can't gush enough about the ending, I loved it!!! I loved the ending. I never imagined the author to go where he went with this story.

Recommend : I would like to recommend this book to all the middle grade readers who are looking for something unique and mysterious to read with some contemporary moments.

[Alisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicholas Benedict is now at the VERY VERY top of my list when it comes to fictional children. Insanely clever but refreshingly sincere and self-aware and just lovable.

A worthy prequel to The Mysterious Benedict Society. In that book, he is the figure on the edge of the plot who has inspired utter devotion from his small but select group of friends. In this book he is a 9-year-old orphan in search of a purpose. Reading this makes me want to revisit passages in The Mysterious Benedict Society because now I really appreciate him even more 😍

The only thing is... It's a really really long book. A bit too long in my opinion. Hence 4 stars. But excellent reading.

[Megan Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that Trenton Lee Stewart writes smart, complicated kid's books, but it's getting awkward to have to sneak onto the children's library floor each time he releases a new Benedict Society book. Extraordinary Education was so good, though, that it was totally worth the skeptical looks the librarians gave me when I clomped through reading time in my Doc Martens.

This is the prequel to The Mysterious Benedict Society trilogy, which I tore through last summer. Stewart reinvigorates a fairly standard children's mystery plot with realistic characters, awesome wordplay and really, really solid writing.

I was a little disappointed that Carson Ellis didn't do the illustrations this round, because her drawings added one more layer of depth to the other books in this series. Sudyka does a fine job-- people unfamiliar with Ellis' work might not even notice the shift-- but every time I came to a new chapter illustration I felt a pang akin to homesickness. Guess I'll have to move on to Wildwood to get my Ellis fix.

[Hannah Jayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

the adventure ends.

I started reading this out loud on a summer’s night drive home from the Iowa countryside. I cried a few days later when Levi asked if I’d read any more without him. no. I wanted to read it together.

many nights laying in bed, or sitting on the couch, a few sunny evenings on the bench in the yard, and many a drive—Levi insisting that I read because he’s “not as good” at it, I read maybe a third of the book by autumn?

and then driving made me sick, and existing made me sick, and I couldn’t catch my breath to read out loud for more than three sentences at a time. so Levi read to me.

and we really drew it out.
and I might’ve liked the story more if I’d read it alone and in a space of time closer to what the book itself covers (like 6 weeks?).
and I do appreciate the story, it’s sweet.

but I appreciate the time with Levi more, and the fact that this book will always remind me of him, and his willingness to read to me, and for me.

[Alejandro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this fifteen times as a youth and now again, still just as good as I remember it.

Everything about this book is good, I can’t think of a single genuine critique about it. I think everyone in the world should read this. I think I should read this, again, a month from now.

Somehow this held up better and was more engaging than some of the books I read this year. I think what it does better than most is that, even made for a kid, it doesn’t feel like an idiot plot or patronizingly bad.

[b. ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

an absolute joy of a prequel to an outstanding middle grade series

i mourn with all my heart that i wasn’t able to experience reading this as a young child, but i still loved it to bits as an adult <3

4.5/5 ⭐️

[Odessa Goldberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

actually my fav book of all time…needed to make sure this was on my goodreads

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a while since I had that, "I want to read!!" feeling and then happily had an adventure doing so.

[Junie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely extraordinary 💖