Synopsis
Prequel for The Mysterious Benedict Society series. Before there was a Mysterious Benedict Society, there was simply a boy named Nicholas Benedict. 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 also he has narcolepsy, a condition that gives him terrible nightmares and makes him fall asleep at the worst possible moments. Now he's 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.- ★★★★☆
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Mindful Muslim Review
Orphan Nicholas Benedict, with below average looks and very high intelligence, has mostly experienced unkindness and bullying in his short life. In this prequel to the Mysterious Benedict Society series, Nicholas meets people who are kind, generous, and giving, even to strangers. They help others even at personal cost to themselves. Nicholas realizes that he may not know what he wants to be when he grows up but he does know who he wants to be: one who puts the needs of others above his own. This theme is a breath of fresh air in an increasingly individualistic and self-centered society that has lost an appreciation for the virtue of sacrifice, earning the book our Gold Star. Nicholas immediately puts this value into practice: helping his friends and adversaries, nullifying and then building relationships with the bullies at the orphanage, and cooperating with the adults to benefit all.
Mindful Muslim Reader recommends this prequel and Books 1-4 in this series.
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