The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict

By: Trenton Lee Stewart, Diana Sudyka - illustrator

Narrated by: Del Roy

Length: 13 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

Before there was a Mysterious Benedict Society, there was simply a boy named Nicholas Benedict—now it's time to meet the boy who started it all.

Nine-year-old Nicholas Benedict has more problems than most children his age. Not only is he an orphan with an unfortunate nose, but he also has narcolepsy, a condition that gives him terrible nightmares and makes him fall asleep at the worst possible moments. Now he's being sent to a new orphanage, where he will encounter vicious bullies, selfish adults, strange circumstances—and a mystery that could change his life forever. Luckily, he has one important thing in his favor: He's a genius.

On his quest to solve the mystery, Nicholas finds enemies around every corner, but also friends in unexpected places—and discovers along the way that the greatest puzzle of all is himself.

©2012 Trenton Lee Stewart (P)2022 Little, Brown Young Readers

Critic reviews

"Gives readers a reason to fall in love with the series all over again...[with] adventures, danger, cleverness, dry wit, and good-hearted characters at the center of the action."—Booklist, starred review

"Stewart balances the elements of his story beautifully, using the mystery puzzle to drive the plot while heightening tension through encounters with the Spiders and deepening the tenderness by following Nicholas's emotional development...[as] Mysterious Benedict Society fans have come to expect (and love) from master storyteller Stewart."—The Horn Book

"Fans will be thrilled with the rich backstory of a beloved character."—School Library Journal

An enjoyable relatable story

Spoiler alert *******


I quite enjoyed hearing about a character with narcolepsy since I’ve only ever met 1 other person with it besides myself! The characters are likable, it’s an easy listen, and I enjoyed the rest of the series. Sad to have it end.

The character progression

I found myself worried most of the book about certain character traits that I find unsavory. Such an excellent story. And, indeed, an excellent education.

Pretty good

I liked this book but I just wish the narrator did more voice pronunciation. God book over all though

amazing book!

This book is great. 10 out of 10
(read this first before the others)
it explains the others

love this book!!!

the reader is great!
I really like the way his voice sounds reading this book I've heard him read the other mysterious Benedict Society books too he is a phenomenal reader!

Luv the book!

I liked all of the story, and the reader is good. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery.

Amazing Everything

I can totally relate to Violet and loved learning more about Nicholas and his childhood it is so entertaining and enjoyable to listen to plus the voice make the experience come to life I would give it infinity out of 5 if I could.

Good continuation

Fills out story adds good background. Liked hearing about Nicklaus Benedict as a boy very much.

only one disappointment

I really liked this book it had a great story and I did like hearing about Ms Benedict but my one disappointment is that I wish that this was a second book ore the first one

Great for all ages!

My kids can't get enough of the story and characters in this series. From trying to unravel the mysteries to imagining the characters through art, they have been inspired by it all. Highly recommend having a listen. An added bonus is that even the adults in the family have enjoyed the story line. Makes a great book to travel with.