The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict [Paperback]

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.Trenton Lee Stewart is the author of the award-winning andNew York Timesbestselling Mysterious Benedict Society series. He lives inArkansaswith his wife and two sons.

Diana Sudyka received a master of fine arts degree from Northwestern University. She lives and works in Chicago as an artist.Praise forThe Mysterious Benedict Society:* Gives readers a reason to fall in love with the series all over again...[with] adventures, danger, cleverness, dry wit, and good-hearted characters at the center of the action. Booklist, starred review Stewart balances the elements of his story beautifully, using the mystery puzzle to drive the plot while heightening tension through encounters with the Spiders al³,