Welcome to 2024 where I’ll be featuring some of my favorites new middle grade books releasing this year. First though, there are a few titles to sneak in this month that I couldn’t quite squeeze into my 2023 review schedule. First up is the enticing and creepy, EXTRA NORMAL.
The Greer family is about as far from normal you could ever have in a family. Twelve-year-old Charlie is the only one who feels she isn’t special. That’s because of the abnormal nature of her adopted siblings (on the cover from left to right): Matty the werewolf; Gideon who has telekinetic powers after some weird experiments; and the ghostly 8-year-old Opal.
It’s a loving family with parents who work for the Division of Extranormal Investigations. Both Mom and Dad are exhausted and finally head off on a much needed vacation, leaving the kids with two other investigators. Charlie is determined to take good care of her brothers and sisters so she can prove she is special at something.
When the Weavers move in across the street, Charlie feels they are a bit on the strange side even though everyone else says otherwise. She is certain they are hiding something in their house, quite possibly the several neighbors who have disappeared. What happens next is a mystery uncovered and a thrilling ending. Charlie and family come together and show how important love and acceptance is even when you aren’t like a normal family.
Exciting, creepy, and heartfelt, EXTRA NORMAL will have you wishing for a sequel.
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: EXTRA NORMAL by Kate Alice Marshall
- The very diverse cast will win you over. Matty is deaf, Gideon doesn’t believe in using his powers, and Opal is overly nervous about their plight. A memorable group trying to work together.
- Agent Baxter and Pendleton, the kids’ adult supervision while the parents were vacationing, are a funny twosome. They weren’t just sub-characters but an important part of the story.
- Charlie steals the show with a caring attitude about her siblings and trying to do her best for the parents she adores.
- When do you ask an adult for help was balanced perfectly and very believable.
- No spoilers, but what the Weavers are doing to stay alive will have you glad they aren’t your neighbors. Well done creepiness for the MG audience.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kate Alice Marshall is the author of young adult and middle grade novels, including I AM STILL ALIVE, RULES FOR VANISHING, and THIRTEENS.
She lives outside of Seattle with her husband, two dogs named Vonnegut and Octavia, and two kids. They all conspire to keep her on her toes.
(For more about Kate and her books visit the author’s web site)
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Always in the Middle... 
I always love stories with a mystery, and this sounds like a creepy one with interesting characters. Thanks for sharing this one with us for the start of 2024.
Me, too, Natalie. I love MG mysteries. I attend a mystery conference for fans and authors of children’s and adult mysteries in April in Bethesda, MD. Always on the lookout for best books of the year to nominate for Agatha Awards. Maybe some of you bloggers will join me in April this year or another. I’ve found a few great MG titles from Greg’s blog here. MMGM is a treasure. Who recommended Sally Pla’s THE FIRE, WATER AND MAUDIE McGuinn? It’s another great family mystery as well as Taryn Souders’ book. Thanks all for keeping me informed!
Happy New Year, Greg! This sounds like a fun read, thanks for sharing!
Sounds like a fun read! Thanks for reviewing.
Creepy isn’t my thing, but I know some people who would like this. Thanks for the review. Happy New Year to you.
Happy New Year, Greg! Not sure I do creepy well. But there are kids who will love this.
Interesting set-up for a novel–although creepy isn’t my cup of tea either. But kids will probably love it.