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Young People's Pavilion: Extra Normal [1]
['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.']
Date: 2025-07-14
The well-constructed plot leaves just enough unanswered questions to make readers hope for a sequel. Simply a great read.” -Kirkus Reviews
Kate Alice Marshall takes readers on a thrilling journey filled with mystery, adventure, and supernatural abilities in Extra Normal. Renowned for her ability to craft intricate and gripping narratives, Kate delivers a captivating novel about an “ordinary” girl who must work with her extraordinary siblings to fight the monsters next door. Marshall’s engaging storytelling and keen attention to detail are woven into Extra Normal, like her previous novels, Thirteens, Brackenbeast, and Glassheart. Marshall promises to immerse readers in a world where normalcy meets the extraordinary to keep readers on the edge of their seats in this action-packed story.
The book follows 12-year-old Charlie Greer who believes she isn’t anything special, at least compared to the rest of her family. Her parents are supernatural investigators, her brother Matty is a werewolf, her brother Gideon is telekinetic, and her sister Opal is a ghost! What Charlie lacks in powers, she makes up for with her maturity in her family to keep the household running. When her parents go on vacation, Charlie is responsible for caring for her siblings. It all comes to a halt when the Weaver family moves in across the street. Though they are nice, suspicions run high when they don’t want Charlie to see the inside of their house. It is up to Charlie to uncover her talents and find out what is going on with the Weavers to stop their plans. Through this sci-fi adventure, Charlie comes to realize that her gifts are just as important as those shared by her family members.
Marshall’s combination of humor, horror, and family in one book is truly unmatched! Her thoughtful representation of found families and disabilities, including deafness resonates. Readers will learn ASL with Charlie as she communicates with her brother Matty and provides a glimpse into his experiences. With its creepy punch and unique focus on siblings, emotional awareness, and jump scares make Extra Normal an extraordinary read.
“Touching sibling dynamics add warmth to this keenly plotted nail-biter, which boasts appropriately atmospheric prose and thrills and chills that draw on classic horror movie elements.” – Publishers Weekly
Here are some suggestions for teachers on how to incorporate Extra Normal into your classrooms:
Reading & Discussion Activities
Chapter-by-Chapter Predictions: Have students make predictions after each chapter about the Weavers’ secrets and Charlie’s hidden abilities.
Thematic Discussions: Explore themes like family dynamics, self-discovery, and bravery. Ask: How does Charlie’s “ordinary” role make her extraordinary?
Compare & Contrast: Have students compare Charlie’s family with the Weavers—what makes a family “normal”?
Creative Writing Prompts
Alternate Ending: Students rewrite the ending or imagine a sequel.
Monster Creation: Students design their own supernatural villain and write a short scene where Charlie and her siblings face it.
Diary Entry: Write from Charlie’s perspective about a day in her life managing her unusual family.
Cross-Curricular Connections
Science (Biology/Physics): Discuss real-world animal adaptations (like Matty’s werewolf traits) or telekinesis in pop culture vs. science.
Social Studies: Research folklore and urban legends about supernatural creatures.
ASL & Disability Awareness: Since Matty is deaf and uses ASL, invite an ASL instructor for a basic lesson or explore deaf culture.
Group Projects & Activities
Book Trailer: Students create a short video trailer for Extra Normal using suspenseful music and key scenes.
Character Interviews: In pairs, students role-play as interviewers and characters (Charlie, Matty, Gideon, Opal).
Set Design: Have students draw or build a model of the Greer house or the Weavers’ mysterious home.
SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) Connections
Empathy & Differences: Discuss how Charlie feels “ordinary” in her family and how students relate to feeling different.
Problem-Solving: Analyze how Charlie handles challenges without powers—what strengths does she use?
Sibling/Family Bonds: Students reflect on their own family dynamics and what makes their relationships special.
Fun Extras
Horror Story Contest: Students write their own short scary stories inspired by the book’s tone.
Powers” Debate: If students could have one supernatural ability, which would they choose and why?
Book vs. Movie (Hypothetical): If Extra Normal were adapted, how would students cast the characters?
This book’s blend of mystery, humor, and heart makes it perfect for engaging middle-grade readers while fostering critical thinking and creativity. Happy teaching!
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