Middle school drama at its’ best. This is the first book in the series featuring Norm who is just beginning middle school where social media rules.

After having his wisdom teeth pulled (Side note: Doesn’t that usually happen in your late teens?), Norm comes out of it just fine except the after effects have him doing a crazy whoop-whoop dance in the dentist office that his dad films. When it is posted online the dancing video goes viral and now Norm is a celebrity at his school.

Sounds like it’s going to be a great year after finally being noticed by the popular kids. That’s not how it turns out as Norm loses his only two real friends with his decisions to be cool. Nothing goes right and Norm has to find away to lose his high status and return to being a regular kid.

Norm narrates the story with kid-like humor and charm. The 12 chapters keep things moving throughout the 160 pages, a perfect amount for MG readers who shy away from the massive 300 page novels. THE NEW NORM will appeal to anyone approaching or already in those middle school years. A great start to the series.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: MAY 5, 2026 PAGES: 160

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE NEW NORM by Matthew J Gilbert

1. Norm has a great relationship with his father who helps him in many ways. Nice to see this parent have a subtle effect on his son.
2. Despite that connection with Dad, Norm discovers the mistakes he made on his own and comes up with a solution. Bravo to Norm!
3. The conflict with best friends Mia and Jordan is a reminder that middle school is a time where both past and new friendships change quickly.
4. A great lesson that social media has it’s drawbacks and going viral is not easy or necessarily a welcome accomplishment.
5. There’s a sneak preview of the next book, Pranks and Prejudice, in the final pages, which will have readers even more enthusiastic for more in the series.

About the Author:

Matthew J. Gilbert is the author of more than forty books, including this one! Besides co-authoring the award-nominated Classroom 13 series, he has written books for some of the world’s most beloved properties including Stranger Things, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, TRON, and more. Under the pen name Jordan Quinn, Matthew is the writer for the Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly graphic novel series. Before becoming an author, Matthew was an award-winning TV writer for Nickelodeon, working in creative advertising for big Hollywood movies… all from a tiny cubicle in NYC. He currently lives in Ohio with his wife and loyal cat sidekick.

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BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER SITES PARTICIPATING IN THIS WEEK’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!