Not Exactly Normal

by Devin Brown

Book Overview

He was always so normal

Todd Farrel attends tiny St. Luke's Episcopal School in rural New England. Each year the sixth graders finish winter term with their big social studies reports. Wanting to make his report something special this year, Todd finally decides to write about mystical experiences -- something definitely not normal. After doing some research, Todd determines that he needs to have his own mystical experience.

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• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0802852874
• ISBN13: 9780802852878
• Release Date: June 2006
• Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
• Length: 238 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 4.9" x 7.2"
• Age Range: 9 to 13 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 8

Customer Reviews

Great Book for Middle School and Teens

My wife and I very much enjoyed reading Not Exactly Normal. Travel along with Todd Farrell, who is an ordinary 6th grade student going to a private school in a small town. Ordinary events, however, become extraordiary as Todd searches for a mystical experience as a part of his big Social Studies project. The characters are very vibrant and easy to identify with. There are many teaching moments in this book and it would be great for literature and/or religion classes in middle school and high school. Sicerely, Richard Galentino

A Search for Something Greater

This is, well, one of the best books I have read for young people during the past year. As a grad student pursuing my Master's in library science, I spend a lot time reading/studying literature for children and young adults. So much of the current fiction seems to focus on the darker aspects of life (abuse, drugs, divorce); Brown, on the other hand, chooses to pursue some of the greater questions young people deal with: Who am I? Why am I here? How do I relate to the rest of my race? The opening chapter focuses on John Donne's "No Man is an Island" sermon, and Brown goes on through the rest of the book using famous authors, philosophers, and sports figures to help young people think about their own purpose and value. With realistic characters and an upbeat, fun style, Brown has created a very valuable book for children. Children and parents alike will appreciate his honest handling of tough questions. This is a great read-aloud for families or teachers, and has areas that will definitely spark discussion!

It's a fact: I want to see more books like this

Definitely recommend this for anybody wanting a good book with fun characters, witty writing and an insightful message. I thouroughly enjoyed the book (even though I'm *old*). The characters were very well developed and, well, reminded me of teachers I'd had in school, or kid's I'd met in class.

Not Exactly Normal

It's a fact,Not Exactly Normal is an exceptional novel. What I loved about reading it, with my 6th grade daughter, was that we could both relate to the characters. It actually took me back to 6th grade, in a good way. It has inspired conversations about school and learning, teachers and friendships, and about how we are all connected. It's serious, it's funny, it's suspenseful, and it has wonderfully subtle messages about life. It's a fact -I highly recommend it!

A New Star in Children's Literature

Inspiring, wholesome, reading -- even if you are not a child! Devin Brown expertly weaves the lessons in Not Exactly Normal into the happenings of every day in the life of 6th grader, Todd Farrel, who struggles to find a balance between his perception of "normal" and unique. The flowing dialogue entertains while inspiring contemplation about what it means to find one's own identity and still fit in -- to belong to a family, to be a best friend, to be a member of a community. The issues Todd faces reflect those of all adolescents, making this novel ideal for classroom reading and discussions. I will definitely be on the lookout for Devin Brown's next novel.