What is
normal exactly? Sixth-grader Todd is pretty sure he's utterly normal, even though so many of his classmates, friends, and even his teacher at his Episcopal school, all have something unique about them. But as Todd comes to understand his normalcy, he discovers that appreciating and accepting people just for who they are is what makes life truly extraordinary. On his journey to this self-enlightenment, Todd has what many might consider a mystical experience, a near-tragedy involving his friend Nitro and a fall through the ice on a frozen river. How these events affect him (and the "mystical" phenomenon in general) become the crux of his social studies report. Brown's debut novel serves up some dynamic kid characters in a mostly believable setting and stirs up some thought-provoking issues for them to consider. The adults, save for teacher Mr. Phillips and his pastor wife, seem contrived, but readers will likely forgive that small detraction to concentrate on Todd and his "normal," but still interesting, adventures. Ages 9-up. (Oct.)
