No Ordinary Thing

I absolutely loved this debut novel!! This book is truly enchanting for people of all ages-- being a high school senior, I thoroughly enjoyed the mystique and enigmatic nature of this awe-inspiring tale. G.Z. Schmidt takes readers through the ordinary life of a young boy in New York City, then propels us through magical dimensions of adventure--all with poignant touches of the 20th century. I come out refreshed, engrossed, and astonished by this transformative story, thinking of ways I too can intertwine my life with the magic of the snow globe. This novel is such a good read and a truly cinematic experience; i cannot wait for more masterpieces Schmidt has to offer to the literary world!

Buy this book! And don’t be surprised that you, as the parent, teacher, librarian, ADULT HUMAN, will want to steal it to read all to yourself! Schmidt gives us MG fiction at its best: full of imagination and hope, adventure and family, magic and the beauty of life just as it is. I thoroughly enjoyed it personally and have now shared it with my middle school book club. It’s a book that needs to be shared and read over and over again!

G.Z. Schmidt's debut novel ensnares the reader within the first few pages with vivid descriptions, adventure, and a touch of magic. The writing flows beautifully from start to finish; it's one of those books that you simply can't put down until you've turned over the last page. I read it with my nephew, and found myself as drawn into the story as he. We are eagerly awaiting this author's next work!!

When choosing books for middle graders (ages 8-13), I look for good writing first and foremost. Kids in this age range are still developing their language skills and need exposure to well-written literature. This book meets that expectation and weaves a complex tale that will appeal to both kids and adults. NO ORDINARY THING would make a great gift for kids on your list.

I'm a sucker for time travel books and mysterious strangers, so this book had me from the start! I love how G.Z. weaves fast-paced adventure and mind-bending sci-fi together with important themes of friendship, grief, and compassion. This book had me guessing all the way through. An excellent debut!

Who wouldn't want a snow globe that travels you through time when you shake it? I loved this magical story and think every middle grade reader needs this one!

Starts with the death of a beloved pet. Then goes on to the main theme, which has to do with an industrial disaster similar to the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire. Sandwiched in there somehow is a plane crash in which the main character's parents die. Then there's a murder, graphically described. Finally wraps up with truisms about the impossibility of changing the past.I wasn't expecting Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, but this is beyond the pale.

Have you ever traveled back in time? Adam Lee Tripp in No Ordinary Thing has! The main character is Adam, a shy boy whose parents died in a plane crash. In the book, Adam wants to warn the townspeople of Candlewick that their town will burn down. The book is mainly about time travel and trying to change your past. The book takes place in New York City, just in different time periods. If you like A Series of Unfortunate Events, you might like No Ordinary Thing too even though they're narrated differently. I give this book five stars because I like how many stories are woven into one big story. I also love how there is a subplot about a myth called, "The Time Touch." Stick around for the ending too because, even though it is not what you expect, it is interesting and awesome!Ruth M, age 7, Southern Connecticut Mensa