Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fun fantasy/sci-fi blend combats dystopia with laughs.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
NOT SO NORMAL NORBERT is set in a future Earth under an authoritarian dictator where conformity is king and imagination is insanity. Everyone wears the same drab gray jumpsuits, and everyone is always under the watchful eyes of the Truth Police -- and of Loving Leader, who sees all and knows all. Twelve-year-old Norbert finds life pretty dull, but he cares more about finding his parents than making waves -- until one day in class, when he gets fed up and dares to stand in front of the class and and do a hilarious imitation of Loving Leader. Faster than you can say "Zorquat 3," Norbert finds himself whisked off to that very planet, where imagination and creativity are not only allowed to run free, they're mandatory. Stuck on a planet far from home, how will Norbert ever track down his parents now?
Is It Any Good?
James Patterson and Joey Green create another fun, funny middle school book that reluctant readers, especially boys, are sure to enjoy. But don't be fooled by Not So Normal Norbert's grim-sounding setup of a dystopian future and a kid looking for his lost parents. Big kids and up will find a lot of laughs, suspense, and adventure waiting for them among the "Astro-Nuts" of planet Zorquat 3.
Zeroing in on the anxiety and pressure kids feel to be like everyone else, the novel encourages them to let their imaginations run wild and to express their individuality and creativity freely in constructive ways. The authors keep it light here; there's not a lot of depth, and most characters besides Norbert are more types than real-seeming and relatable. But the humor, adventure, and lively illustrations will make this book enjoyable for reluctant readers, and hints about a future rescue mission will have them eagerly hoping for more from Norbert.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how society in Not So Normal Norbert is dystopian. What does "dystopian" mean? How is this book different from other dystopian books you've read, or movies or TV shows you've seen?
What are some of Norbert's character strengths? What about weaknesses? What do you like about him?
Do you like the illustrations in the book? Are there too many? Not enough? Do they enhance the story or get in the way?
Book Details
- Authors :
- Illustrator : Hatem Aly
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Arts
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : JIMMY Patterson Books
- Publication date : July 2, 2018
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 14
- Number of pages : 368
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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