13-year-old Norman Normann did poorly on his standardized test in January, so for the next year he is tutored by the highly eccentric Balthazar Birdsong, whose tutoring methodology is unusual to say the least. At the same time, Norman's father, who is not only a bombastic nincompoop, but also an illegal international arms dealer, keeps taking off for meeting with this or that country, and towards the end of the year vanishes completely. It is up to Norman and his three best friends to go to Singapore to find and rescue Norman's father.
Seriously, Norman! is light and funny, but surprisingly philosophical too. ( )

This is the story of Norman Normann, who, with the help of his friends and his amazing tutor Balthazar Birdsong, sets out to save his father (a used-bomber salesman) from bad karma. Sound confusing? It is. But in a fun way for the most part. While it took me about 60 pages to really get into the rhythm of the book, I'm glad I stuck with it. I was torn between 3 and 4 stars on the rating, only because the quirkiness of the story sometimes crosses over into cartoonishness. I don't think this is going to have wide appeal, but there are certainly those kids who will appreciate the zaniness and will enjoy reading the dictionary and learning about cloud formations and kite structure along with Norman, Leonard, Anna, and Emma. ( )

Norman Normann (whose parents are Orman and Norma) must be tutored after he bombs the entrance examination for the area's prestigious schools. This book chronicles the year until he can retake the test, as Norman's new tutor takes him through the dictionary from A to Z, and teaches him to observe the world around him, along with his three best friends.

Middle school boys will easily relate to 12-year-old Norman's perspective, full of adults who don't quite get it, silly sound effects, and adventures. His learning, which readers learn right alongside him, covers everything from vocabulary to philosophy, but the seemingly random twists and turns of the story work it all in naturally. And 4-6 page chapters make it easy to get through, although the book isn't short.

I could see this book being either completely beloved or a bit too random for a given reader. I enjoyed it, but sometimes wasn't sure why. Would very likely recommend to boys grades 5-8. ( )