Orphan Nicholas Benedict, with below average looks and very high intelligence, has mostly experienced unkindness and bullying in his short life. In this prequel to the Mysterious Benedict Society series, Nicholas meets people who are kind, generous, and giving, even to strangers. They help others even at personal cost to themselves. Nicholas realizes that he may not know what he wants to be when he grows up but he does know who he wants to be: one who puts the needs of others above his own. This theme is a breath of fresh air in an increasingly individualistic and self-centered society that has lost an appreciation for the virtue of sacrifice, earning the book our Gold Star. Nicholas immediately puts this value into practice: helping his friends and adversaries, nullifying and then building relationships with the bullies at the orphanage, and cooperating with the adults to benefit all.

Mindful Muslim Reader recommends this prequel and Books 1-4 in this series.