The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict (Mysterious Benedict Society) by Stewart

As soon as I started reading the Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict I couldn't put it down. It's one of those books that is so wonderful that you must keep reading. I read it after reading The Mysterious Benedict Society, The Perilous Journey, and the Prisoner's Dilemma. I would keep noticing things like, "Oh, that's why he likes green plaid!"
The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict was a wonderful, exciting read, and I highly recommend it.

As an adult (with no children) I really enjoyed this book. It's technically a prequel but you could enjoy this even if you haven't read the other books in the Mysterious Benedict Society series. Having read the entire series, I thought this one was one of the best installments. A fun, light read that keeps the mystery going to the end.

Although I thoroughly enjoyed each book in this series, this one is my favorite. Little Nicholas is a brave little chap who overcomes life's difficulties in creative ways, always sensitive to others around him. Loneliness is his constant companion and this story will encourage and touch the heart of others who have experienced the emotions of feeling alone in a big, uncertain world.

I absolutely loved this book! It grabs you from the very beginning as you go with nine-year-old Nicholas to yet another orphanage. Whether he's outsmarting the bullies or impressing someone with his mental abilities, Nicholas is always one step ahead of everyone else. I thought this was the best book of a truly charming series of books.

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I still miss the world Stewart conjures up in these books. I absolutely loved these books. They are exciting and insightful and keep you tuned in from beginning to end. I plan to read them to my nieces this summer and I can hardly wait. You can not miss with these books. I am so glad I found them.

This book was just as clever as the previous three and was a fun addition to the Benedict collection. It is great because it can be read and enjoyed even if you have not read the mysterious Benedict society series (though I would highly recommend it!)

The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict book is a great book but it is not very exciting.This book tells you more about
Nicholas Benedict 's life and the friends he made.If you are going to buy the Mysterious Benedict Society series you should buy this book first.

Fantastic read, possibly my favorite book by Trenton Lee Stewart. Nicholas is a truly engaging character who was so fun to follow. He is the perfect blend of the children's personalities in the original MBS series.

OMG I just finished reading this and it is awesome! Well, it's no big surprise because the other MBS books are amazing. I know, I know, this might seem a bit too young for me, but it is a fun and entertaining read. It has good morals, too: friendship, love, and family. NEVER underestimate Trenton Lee Stewart!!! This book proves that he is aweosme!!! WE LOVE YOU, TRENTON LEE STEWART!!!

If you haven't already been introduced to the Mysterious Benedict Society feel free to start with this witty prequel that details the early life of Nicholas Benedict, a genius orphan with narcolepsy who becomes the patriarchal figure in the later trilogy. Even without knowing a thing about the other books, you will quickly be pulled into Nicholas's world.

The author does use some stereotypical characters for the bullies and the staff at the orphanage, but somehow I was not bothered in the least by this as I got pulled into the mystery. The descriptive language may be a bit much for some, but I enjoyed the pictures it painted in my mind. Most children (and some adults) will need a dictionary close by when reading this book. I have to say I wasn't expecting to run across the words "vouchsafe" or "ebullient" in a children's book. This is book for a confident reader, not for a child who just switched to chapter books. It's also a lot of fun for an adult like me who refuses to grow up.

Although Nicholas is only 9 in this book, he comes across as much older due to his intellect and insight. I found myself wishing I was as smart as this precocious child. Nicholas looks at the world in wonder, and you will find yourself looking for patterns and being more observant of your surroundings after reading this book. Simple objects may have uses you haven't thought of yet. The story is set in an old mansion that was turned into an orphanage and I'm still wishing I could find a manor to explore after finishing the book.

In the beginning of the book Nicholas is quite cynical for his young age, which is to be expected when one considers what he has been through. However, the extraordinary education of Nicholas Benedict is not just about a boy learning facts and figures, it is also about him discovering the good in people. It starts with an old diary in which the writer portrays his deep love for his wife whom he describes as "a witty, scholarly woman, always reading, a clever problem-solver". While Nicholas's first reaction to reading her description is less than warm, by the end of the book he comes to realize that there are many good and decent people in the world, and he aspires to be one of them.

I don't want to give away the plot, but suffice it to say this book is a definite *must read* for anyone looking for a little intrigue mixed with a dose of heart and a lot of humor. It is a tale of morals and of boy who learns to have friends, and it is also a story about loving to learn. You will have the urge to sneak off to a library and further your own education. Old fans will love it, and new fans will be looking for more.

This book tells us about Nicholas Benedict's (the "teacher" of the children in the three previous novels) unusual childhood. I was skeptical. I thought I would be disappointed since the children I have grown to love in the other novels weren't in this story, but that was not the case. I loved the characters just as much in this novel! It was very cool to see how all of the characters in this novel grow and some of the reasons why they turn into the people they do in the previously published novels.

Nicholas Benedict is your not-so-typical, super-smart, narcoleptic young boy. This story begins with his journey to a new orphanage (as Mr. Benedict is an orphan himself) called Rothschild's End. He dreams of a fresh start where he will have friends and fit in, unfortunately that is not what immediately happens. Nicholas's first warning by a fellow student is of the Spiders, the orphanage's notorious bullies, before he even enters the building. And his new Headmaster, Mr. Collum, is not a compassionate or caring man.

However, Nicholas' stay at Rothschild's End isn't all bad. He is able to learn many valuable life lessons, gain a couple amazing new friends (John and Violet), all while on the hunt for a hidden treasure. Will Nicholas and his two friends figure out where the treasure is located before the Mr. Collum? Can Nicholas ever "defeat" the Spiders? Is it possible for someone so different to fit in?

Those who have read and loved THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY and its sequels know Nicholas Benedict as an enigmatic man, a narcoleptic and a genius who kindly inspires his young protégés. They also know him as an old (or at least older) man. But what was Nicholas Benedict like as a boy? And how and when did he develop the abiding love of mysteries, puzzles and problem-solving that defined the rest of his life?
The answers to those questions --- not to mention a rollicking good mystery plot --- lie at the center of THE EXTRAORDINARY EDUCATION OF NICHOLAS BENEDICT, a prequel to Trenton Lee Stewart's three previous novels and a thoroughly entertaining story in its own right.

When we first meet the nine-year-old Nicholas Benedict, he is on his way to a new orphanage, one that promises to manage his narcolepsy and its attendant night terrors better than his previous lodgings. Nicholas, whose prodigious intellect and impeccable memory belie his childlike optimism, wants to believe that this new location will offer him a new beginning, away from the bullying and cruelty he has encountered at his previous schools.

Far from a fresh start, however, Rothschild's End (or "Child's End," as it is known) seems to provide an even worse environment. Before he even arrives, Nicholas, who looks younger than he actually is, is targeted by the resident gang, known as the Spiders. And Mr. Collum, the head of the school, seems to think that only the most draconian measures --- which include bricking in Nicholas's window and locking his door from the outside --- can save our narcoleptic hero from himself. Even worse, Nicholas is barred from utilizing the school's amazing library, which is "the most exciting spectacle of his life."

But Nicholas, whose eyes and ears are always open and who can memorize text and map out floor plans without thinking twice about it, won't be so easily cowed. He is bound and determined to make his time at Child's End not an end but a beginning. When he finds a hidden reference to a secret treasure room, he starts down the road of puzzle-solving and mystery-investigating that will define the rest of his life.

Trenton Lee Stewart has a gift for portraying kids who are precocious but never annoying. It could be easy to dislike a boy who is as unapologetically brilliant and self-confident as the young Nicholas Benedict. But his genuine joy of learning and exploration, as well as his abiding hope that things can and will get better, make him a likable and sympathetic character. As with the other Mysterious Benedict Society novels, readers will enjoy challenging themselves to solve puzzles alongside the hero, and they'll root for him and themselves as they proceed together toward the kind of treasure that Nicholas least expects but most needs.

Readers who already love these books will appreciate the familiarity of Stewart's approach, and those who are just meeting young Master Benedict for the first time will be charmed and challenged in equal measure.

Reviewed by Norah Piehl on April 30, 2012

You may have heard of The Mysterious Benedict Society, a book which I love (as well as the two sequels.) But before the Mysterious Benedict Society, there was a boy named Nicholas Benedict. This book is about his childhood, and it is a great story on its own, though it also provides some insight into Mr. Benedict in the other series. Trenton Lee Stewart has a very distinctive writing style, which was apparent in this book as well. Nicholas, a nine-year-old orphan, gets sent to a new orphanage, just as bad as the old one, with vicious bullies and selfish adults, but also a strange secret: there is supposedly a treasure hidden somewhere in the orphanage. You see, the orphanage was founded by Rothschild (incidentally, a real famous rich Jewish family), and part of the Rothschild inheritance was never accounted for. This could be just the thing Nicholas and his new friend John are looking for.

I loved the characters in this one. Like Sticky Washington, a character in The Mysterious Benedict Society, Nicholas has a prodigious memory and a propensity to use long words. And like Reynie Muldoon, he's very observant and good at solving puzzles. The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict was just as good as The Mysterious Benedict Society, and I loved it.

All of my reviews can be read at my blog, novareviews.blogspot.com.

This prequel to the Mysterious Benedict Society series is wonderful. It's part Oliver Twist, part Agatha Cristie. You get genius orphan Nicholas Benedict, who unfortunately falls asleep at the most awful times. Add in a poor orphanage... a trio of dreaded bullies... a hidden treasure... and a secret friendship, and you have a tale most kids won't be able to put down. I read children's books so I can review them on my website - and this is the best one I've read in ages.

I won't say anything more... wouldn't want to spoil the fun for you. Just read it yourself and see.

An entirely diffrent story but still a fun adventure though it shows how Mr. Benedict got his money.

*spoiler alert*
Benedict an orphan who's parents died in a lab acident is now at a new orphanage and has to: avoid the Spiders a group of bullys, figure out a strange mystery of the krphange and survive along with being able t see his adopted friend John ever again?
Buy the book now to find out!

The treasure was so obvious and things were so stereotypical, but I loved it because of these quirks and more. I read this book after reading Harry Potter books 1 to 4 and noticed the style was very different. The series has always been refreshing because of Stewart's unusual writing style. He inserts some advanced words in places and seems to write descriptions awkwardly (compared to Rowling in Harry Potter). He is unashamed of writing about geniuses. Stewart's portrayal of Nicholas is extremely realistic for a profoundly gifted individual. He got many of the "original equipment" correct, and highlighted both their positive and negative aspects.

A truly wonderful book. Nicholas is a great character and his story has the elements of hope, love , surprise and redemption. Just like the other books by Mr. Trenton, a satisfying story that one wishes to go on.

The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict by Trenton Lee Stewart, is the story of nine-year-old boy's adventures to achieve happiness. One of the things I most appreciated about this book is that there is a deaf character who plays a prominent role in the story. Since she is deaf, we hear her voice interpreted through Nicholas, the main character, which is an interesting literary device. I have never encountered this in a book before and it offers a new way to see the character.
The country in which the book is set, around the middle of the 20th century, is never disclosed, which allows the reader to imagine the town to be in any part of the world because the name of the town is very generic. Beyond the general location, the manor and woods in which the story is set is described in great detail; so much detail that it feels as though you could step into the book and find your way around without trouble.
@ Deneen Chabot, I'm not surprised that your son found this book boring, as there are definitely concepts and ideas that are a bit advanced for a child of his age. You didn't discuss specifically what you liked about the book, other than saying that it was good; I would like to read further commentary from you with more detail on what you appreciated about it.
A short excerpt from the book better illustrates Mr. Stewart's writing talent: "The night was mild and warm, though the moon gave every surface a frosty appearance, and the thin ringing sound of crickets, frogs, cicadas, and other tiny creatures made Nicholas imagine infinitesimal tambourines being jingled behind every leaf and branch." (Stewart, 172) In just this one sentence, Mr. Stewart has packed in enough detail that one can easily picture and hear this summer's night scene. Even though The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict by Trenton Lee Stewart revolves around a nine-year-old, it is a fabulous, well-written book that I would recommend to anyone 6th grade or older.

You need not gave read the Benedict Society to enjoy this prequel. I am a fan and was really looking forward to this read and so glad I did! Super clever, charming and unique, loved try ing to solve the mystery (I didn't). My favorite in the series yet!

A peek into the past of the beloved Mr. Benedict! Young Nicholas is quirky and engaging. I loved getting to read his story. I may have enjoyed this book even more than the Mysterious Benedict Society trilogy.

I loved the Mysterious Benedict Society SO much as a junior high kid. Now, as a high school student, I couldn't resist grabbing a new Trenton Lee Stewart even if it's not quite as challenging as War and Peace. It blew my mind, past my expectations. This quirky book will be loved by any kid, and I mean any, who has a vocabulary above words like 'like' and who enjoys that quirky fantastical stuff. T.L.S. leads the current modern big-words children quirky books genre right now, and his lead is incredible. Highly reccomended.

I really liked The Extraordinary Education of Nicolas Benedict! I do not think it was as good as the Mysterious Benedict Society, but then again, what is as good as the Mysterious Benedict Society? I think my favorite character was probably Violet. I think she was very optimistic considering every bad thing that ever happened to her. Great book Mr. Stewart!

This book was incredible! I loved the main character, Nicholas Benedict. After I finished the mysterious Benedict society series, I was hungry for more, and this book was exactly what I wanted! I highly recommend this book.

Nicholas Benedict is a boy, who has an extraordinary mind, and some extraordinary friends. Of course, that leads him into some extraordinary adventures. He is also an orphan, and if you read "The Mysterious Benedict Society," you'll see why. But overall it's the best book EVER. He is trying to find the treasure that is somewhere in Stonetown Orphanage, but is the treasure really treasure? Find out as you read "The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict".

This book was amazing. It almost made me cry when things got tough because I got so close to the characters.

I think that this is the best out of the Mysterious Benedict society.

This book was about Nicolas Benedict and his time at a new orphanage. At this new orphanage finds a mystery to solve and finds some friends along the way.

Nicholas Benedict has lived in orphanages his whole life and wants nothing more than to have a family of his own. When he is transferred to Rothschild's end, he finds out about a mysterious fortune that could change his life forever. Soon he realizes the treasure is not as it seems. Nicholas strives to make his life and the lives of the other children better and by putting his skills to the test he does just that. The Extraordinary Education Of Nicholas Benedict is a book that is suspenseful and an absolutely marvelous read.

This book was incredible! I loved the main character, Nicholas Benedict. After I finished the mysterious Benedict society series, I was hungry for more, and this book was exactly what I wanted! I highly recommend this book.

Nicholas Benedict is a boy, who has an extraordinary mind, and some extraordinary friends. Of course, that leads him into some extraordinary adventures. He is also an orphan, and if you read "The Mysterious Benedict Society," you'll see why. But overall it's the best book EVER. He is trying to find the treasure that is somewhere in Stonetown Orphanage, but is the treasure really treasure? Find out as you read "The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict".

This book was amazing. It almost made me cry when things got tough because I got so close to the characters.

I think that this is the best out of the Mysterious Benedict society.

This book was about Nicolas Benedict and his time at a new orphanage. At this new orphanage finds a mystery to solve and finds some friends along the way.

Nicholas Benedict has lived in orphanages his whole life and wants nothing more than to have a family of his own. When he is transferred to Rothschild's end, he finds out about a mysterious fortune that could change his life forever. Soon he realizes the treasure is not as it seems. Nicholas strives to make his life and the lives of the other children better and by putting his skills to the test he does just that. The Extraordinary Education Of Nicholas Benedict is a book that is suspenseful and an absolutely marvelous read.

This book was absolutely amazing and I loved it. I had already read the first three (though seeing how this is the prequel it is really, in order of events wise that last three) and it made me want to read them again. It was also interesting to find some of Nicholas's habits that he had when he was a child that you see when he is an adult. It is just a over all great book that i could not put down.

This series is so wonderful! I have been looking for a book (or series of books) to replace the awe and wonder of The Wildwood books and of course the Harry Potter books.. The Mysterious Benedict Society books are just the answer. Great reading for both kids and adults. I can't recommend this series enough!

First Sentence: The train station at Pebbleton, dark and sooty though it was, glistened in the mist.

How I Acquired the Book: I borrowed this novel from my town's library.

The Review: If I had to describe The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict in one word, it would be 'disappointing'. Now, I will be completely honest here: as a stand-alone novel, it would be a nice read. But that's not what it was marketed as, now was it? This was clearly marketed as a prequel to a very good series, and it failed to live up to that.

Now, there are certainly some things that I enjoyed. Let me start with those first. *THERE MAY BE SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT*

THE GOOD:
+Nicholas himself. I was wondering if Trenton Lee Stewart would take the easy way out, by telling instead of showing with Nicholas, but my fears were completely erased when I dug into the book. He truly is a freaking genius-and not just for a nine-year old. And yet, he's also just as mature as a nine-year old, and I love how Mr. Stewart kept that in mind.
+The suspense. Nicholas and two other characters kept me reading, and caring for them. This is certainly a character-driven novel. Heck, if Nicholas was boring, I would just put down the book. But those three characters just kept the story going. It's just some other parts that weren't up to par.
+The cover. This was not factored into the stars I gave it, but I thought it would be nice to mention how great the cover is, and how it matches the other books. The illustrations inside, like all the other books, really added to the story. Nice job, Diana Sudyka.

But really, that's where the good ends and the bad begins.

THE BAD:
-Stereotypical characters. Even though Mr. Stewart nailed Nicholas' voice, he seemed to not care about the surrounding characters. Are all the adults really that evil? And the bullies-ugh. The bullies were way too flat. They were practically just ripped off from stereotypes.
-Some pointless parts. For example, what was the point of Mr. Harinton? Do his actions really change Nicholas' story; did Mr. Stewart really need to spend 20 extra pages on him? Which brings me to my next point.
-The book was too long. It's nearly 500 pages, and I could summarize it in a few sentences.
-This is my biggest complaint of all: it did not live up to the promise of a prequel. Yes, we certainly got to see Nicholas. But it does not answer the question I had in mind when I went into the book: why, and how does Nicholas found the Mysterious Benedict Society? Furthermore, Mr. Curtain is not mentioned at all in this book. A prequel should be more than just a character's story. It should explain the overall backstory of things. And it seems like this will be the only prequel we'll be getting-but if Mr. Stewart writes another prequel explaining the origin of the Mysterious Benedict Society, I will edit this review. It doesn't seem like that though. Mr. Stewart had plenty of time to write this; his last novel in the Benedict series came out three years ago. But the only thing I can feel after reading this 'prequel' is disappointment.

-reviewed by a teenager. (I apologize for any teenagery and/or snarky comments in this review, if they have offended you. I understand they can be very annoying, just like teenagers themselves. In any case, thanks for dealing with them and thanks for reading this review.)

I love this book, one of my favorites. Unique story line with a fabulous turn of events. Shows the importance of influences in our lives and how the choices we make influence the sort of people we become.

A truly extraordinary and wonderful book. . . . Nicholas's adventures take you back to the time before The Mysterious Benedict Society.

This book is a simply perfect addition to the Mysterious Benedict Society collection. It is witty and humorous at the same time. This story consists of a mystery, strong friendhips, bullies, hardships and not to forget the few suprises! Trenton Lee Stewart has done it yet again.

Trenton Lee Stewart is an AWESOME ( i mean it) writer and i've read all of the Mysterious Benedict Society books an i have the game/ puzzle book along with this book. I hav so many bookmarks in this book because there are ALOT of important an exiting parts in it ............. whil that was my review