Not So Normal Norbert

Name: Not So Normal Norbert
Brand: Hachette Audio
Availability: InStock
Author: James Patterson
ISBN: 9781478995647

Author: James Patterson, Joey Green

Narrator: Michael Crouch

Unabridged: 5 hr 35 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Jimmy Patterson

Published: 07/02/2018

Categories: Children's Fiction, Children's Humor, Science Fiction Stories, Children's Social Themes, Performing Arts Stories

Synopsis

A kooky kid is banished to another planet in this hilarious adventure about a futuristic world where different is dangerous, imagination is insanity, and creativity is crazy!
Norbert Riddle lives in the United State of Earth, where normal means following the rules, never standing out, and being exactly the same as everyone else, down to the plain gray jumpsuits he wears every day. He's been normal his whole life -- until a moment of temporary hilarity when he does a funny impression of their dictator, Loving Leader . . . and gets caught!
Now, Norbert's been arrested and banished to planet Zorquat 3 in the Orion Nebula, where kids who defy the rules roam free in the Astronuts camp. Norbert has been taught his whole life that different is wrong, but everyone at Astronuts is crazy, creative, and insane!
Norbert wants nothing more than to go back to earth where things are awful but at least they're familiar. But he soon realizes that being different could be better -- and maybe the crazy farm is exactly where he belongs after all.

About James Patterson

James Patterson is a world-renowned mystery writer that has dominated the New York Times Bestseller list for decades. In fact, he holds the New York Times AND Guinness records for most best-selling, hardcover, fiction titles by a single author, an astonishing accomplishment of 76! Patterson is possible best known for his Alex Cross series, which has held the top selling detective series for the past ten years. His books have sold approximately 300 million copies worldwide and he is the first author to achieve ten million eBook sales. There have been nine files - seven made for TV movies and three major motion pictures that were adapted from Patterson novels. Unlike many of his counterparts, Patterson is a fan of collaboration and works with several ghostwriters and co-authors to keep the mysteries coming for his demanding readers. While he has received his share of criticism for this practice, it hasn't mattered to his devoted following and as he continues to top the charts with each new release. In addition to adult novels, Patterson has recently become the bestselling author for the young adult and middle grade categories.

Patterson is also well known for his philanthropy. The James Patterson Teach Education Scholarship has been established to support the next generation of teachers at 19 different universities across the country. Patterson co-hosts a webcast with Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade. ONE ON ONE: Fundamentals with Dwyane Wade and James Patterson highlights the importance of reading for success in life. He also has a website dedicated to helping parents and educators ignite the reading spark in students. The website has specific book recommendations aimed towards the child's ability. ReadKiddoRead.com also features book reviews, messages from James, a Facebook community, and contributions from other authors and celebrities that believe in the power of reading.

James Patterson was born March 22, 1947 in New York and graduated summa cum laude from Manhattan College with a B.A. in English, and summa cum laude from Vanderbilt University with an M.A. in English. He has won multiple awards for his work and has entertained and inspired millions. Patterson can occasionally be seen guest starring as himself on an episode on NBC's 'Castle'. He has a wife, Susan and a son, Jack an currently resides in Palm Beach, Florida.

Reviews

Goodreads review by C. B. on July 02, 2018

I tend to review books from the more select small presses, but every once in a while, a mass market release catches my attention. Such is the case with Not So Normal Norbert, a fun summer read for middle graders. Patterson and Green’s science fiction fantasy is full of quirky humor and adventure and......more

Goodreads review by Grace on February 20, 2023

This book had twists, turns, funny moments, sad moments and much more! Would definitely recommend to anyone who's looking for something fun to read!......more

Goodreads review by Aaron on September 27, 2018

Set in the future when mankind has been able to settle on a number of planets and earth has been united under the United State of Earth, this is the tale of Norbert Riddle, who has an unhealthy sense of humor in a culture that does everything it can to crush individualism. Under the Loving Leader, a......more

Goodreads review by Green on September 27, 2018

This is a book that will definitely make you have a good laugh. Somewhat like a funny version of "Nineteen Eighty-Four" (a horror I had to study in highschool and never did read from cover to cover, besides it being so corrupt and evil.) I've never read any other books by James Patterson. Norbert is......more

Goodreads review by Robin on May 04, 2022

Norbert lives in a dystopian future where everyone wears gray and lives in gray houses under a gray sky, and where the Loving Leader of the United State of Earth not only provides all TV programming (designed to promulgate "Truth" as he sees it) but also watches everyone through their Truth Screens.......more

Quotes

Praise for Not So Normal Norbert:
A Barnes & Noble Best Book for Young Readers!A Parents' Choice Awards (R) Winner!

"Readers will chortle at the relentless wordplay, a supporting cast made up almost entirely of caricatured grown-ups and young pranksters, and Norbert's winning mix of glibness and gullibility. Aly's scribbly ink-and-wash line drawings add punchlines as well as comical portraits of the major characters."—Booklist

"Buoyed by Aly's boisterous drawings, Norbert's droll wordplay, wisecracking banter, and oddball characters, the comedy reaches farcical heights before careening to an unforeseen conclusion. The authors balance the inanity with real-life, affecting emotion, convincingly depicting Norbert's fright as well as his yearning for his parents."—Publishers Weekly

"The humor, adventure, and lively illustrations will make this book enjoyable for reluctant readers."—Common Sense Media