Four 12-year-olds living in New York City, each of whom thinks that their family isn't normal. At a new school, they have a life changing experience and learn that there's something much better than "normal."
Ended
Plot in three lines
Four New York City tweens struggle with what they consider to be an abnormal family lifestyle, only to discover that their apparent weirdness makes them special enough to get into Hunter, a Manhattan public school known for being the best in the city.
DAVID is an eleven-year-old kid from Brooklyn whose father suffers from bipolar disorder and who’s forced to take care of his younger siblings while his working mother looks after his dad, who is frequently committed to the psych ward in a mental facility.
TIFFANY is a twelve-year-old math wiz whose mother works all day long while her father gets drunk and her older sister goes out to party with her friends and/or boyfriend. She usually cooks dinner for the family, since she’s the only who gets home early.
ALBERT is an Asian boy from Chinatown whose parents got divorced because his father came out as gay and moved in with his boyfriend Jeff. His mom’s traditional and conservative values, which are shared by the Chinese American community, keep him from talking about what he calls the “family secret.”
JOCELYN is an African American girl from the Bronx whose mother died of breast cancer while her father remarried a white and Jewish woman named Celia, whom she dislikes for trying to take her Mom’s place (she even calls her “Grinch”).
Sixth grade is a major struggle for each of the four kids in their respective schools
However, through a variety of different paths, in February, they all end up meeting to take an exam to get into Hunter, a special public school in Manhattan for grades 7 through 12.
Despite their ongoing challenges at home and at their current schools, the four kids pass the Hunter test and find out in June that they’ve gotten in.
They all meet again in September, in seventh grade at this new school, in class, and thanks to a very special communications & theater teacher Mrs. Marsh, their lives change forever, for the better. During a vulnerable, risky class activity on the 2nd day of school, the four kids each take a chance, and find out just how much they actually have in common with each other.
The 4 stories are told through the eyes of each of the four protagonists, alternating each chapter.
By the end of the book, DAVID, TIFFANY, ALBERT, and JOCELYN realize that there might not be anything "normal" about anyone.
And most important, they come to all understand that they're pretty cool as they all are.
For 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th graders and their parents, Normal is a compelling character-driven tale of growing up feeling like you’re alone and different, and coming to realize that you’re neither. It’s full of laughs, tears, and an ending you’ll never forget.
#BeLikeableDay
Dave's third edition of the New York Times bestseller Likeable Social Media (McGraw-Hill Education) launched on #BeLikeableDay on February 26th, 2019 –– a movement which Dave's company Likeable Media and partners have established and grown to the media sensation it is today. https://www.belikeableday.com/
All told, #BeLikeableDay reached an astounding 77 million people across traditional and social media, with participation from 45 countries! And Dave's book sold out of pre-orders in before official release to the public. Read more from Dave about this here.
The #BeLikeableDay movement was backed by numerous business leaders and influencers—such as Lori Greiner, Andy Lassner, Rachel Sklar, John Rampton, Greg Wyshynski, and Scott Harrison—as well as dozens of small businesses and brands, including Bloomingdales, Cisco, 1-800-Flowers, 16 Handles, Happy Family Organics, Two Good Yogurt, Horizon Organic, and the NHL.
Social media was supposed to enrich our lives and bring us closer, but in recent years, it’s grown toxic and divisive. In an age when cyberbullying, fake news, and negative headlines dominate, this is our chance, through individual acts of kindness, to collectively change the world.
#BeLikeableDay, February 26th, is a global movement dedicated to making social media a more positive environment. On this day, organizations and individuals take a moment to do at least one act of kindness online—whether that’s sharing a compliment on Instagram or thanking a friend on Facebook. Instead of clicking the like button, we actually make social media more likeable.
Dave is experienced in going big with book launches and his publisher can expect a similar huge marketing launch for first novel, Normal.
DonorsChoose.org
20% of total book sales for the 1st 789 preorder copies go to DonorsChoose.org, a United States–based 501 nonprofit organization that donates directly to public school classroom projects. Founded in 2000 by former public school teacher Charles Best, DonorsChoose.org was among the first civic crowdfunding platforms of its kind. Also the 1st 39 people to preorder the '2 copies' bonus will receive $10 Donors Choose gift cards.
The plot is a formula that works, and very similar to books such as Wonder, The Perks of Being a Wallflower and The Fault in Our Stars, all of which became major motion pictures.
Wonder by R.J. Palacio, Knopf Books for Young Readers; 1 edition (February 14, 2012)
August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. WONDER, now a #1 New York Times bestseller and included on the Texas Bluebonnet Award master list, begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance.
Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, MTV Books; Later Printing edition (February 1, 1999)
This is the story of what it's like to grow up in high school. More intimate than a diary, Charlie's letters are singular and unique, hilarious and devastating. We may not know where he lives. We may not know to whom he is writing. All we know is the world he shares. Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it puts him on a strange course through uncharted territory. The world of first dates and mixed tapes, family dramas and new friends. The world of sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, when all one requires is that perfect song on that perfect drive to feel infinite.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, Penguin; 01 edition (3 Jan 2013)
Despite the tumour-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten. Insightful, bold, irreverent, and raw, The Fault in Our Stars brilliantly explores the funny, thrilling, and tragic business of being alive and in love.
In addition to the these three fiction title, there are other books that share similar themes. For instance, most YA fantasy sagas are based on one premise: an individual or a group of young misfits have their lives disrupted when they learn that what others may perceive as strange is actually what makes them special and unique: that they’re talented and important, and that they matter.
The most iconic example is J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter saga, but we can also cite Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson, James Dashner’s Maze Runner, Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games, Veronica Roth’s Divergent, Cassandra Clare’s City of Bones, and many more.
Dad, Husband, 4x NYT Bestselling Author. Dave’s four books have sold hundreds of thousands of copies worldwide and have been translated into 14 languages.
Number of print copies tba with author on basis of market prediction • Completed manuscript desirable although we also work with authors to develop ideas • Looking for diverse contemporary and historical fiction, literary fiction, and crime fiction, as well as non-fiction arts and culture, particularly film and music from a diverse perspective.
Aurora Metro Books is an award-winning independent publisher based in London established for more than 30 years, We have published over 250 authors from around the world including Germaine Greer, Meera Syal, Benjamin Zephaniah, Jean-Claude Carriere and Nawal el Sadaawi. We publish both in print and digital and distribute our books in the UK, Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, and Singapore. We sell rights internationally at bookfairs and devise a marketing campaign with the author.
With the launch of our imprint Supernova Books, we are expanding our non-fiction list to focus on the arts and culture, technology and lifestyle.
'The British Beat Explosion' was voted best Blues Book 2014, and 'Silent Women: pioneers of cinema' was voted best book on silent film in 2016. Our new series for 2020 has kicked off with '50 Women in the Blues' receiving universal acclaim, followed by '50 Women Sculptors' launched in association with the Royal Society of Sculptors.
500 copies • Partial manuscript • Looking for fiction, non-fiction, and children's book genres, all having one thing in common: an individual's originality and hardship.
Black Rose Writing is an independent publishing house that strongly believes in developing a personal relationship with their authors. The Texas-based publishing company doesn't see authors as clients or just another number on a page, but rather as individual people who deserve an honest review of their material and to be paid traditional royalties without ever paying any fees to be published. We are proud members of IBPA (Independent Book Publishers Association), a recognized ITW (International Thriller Writers) publisher, members of Publishers Marketplace, and currently serving on the Ingram Publisher Advisory Board.
Entrada Publishing specializes in publishing most fiction topics, excluding erotica and most romance (clean/Christian romance is okay).
We are a traditional publisher - publishing only works that are truly excellent in every way.
500 copies • Partial manuscript • Looking for business, self-help, mindfulness, well-being, fitness, clean living, decluttering/organization, psychology and anxiety (especially kids and teens), eco-friendly/zero waste, retail, trees and birdwatching, homeschooling, productivity, true crime, nature-oriented, hidden histories, cultural trends, pop-science, and entrepreneurship.
Mango is an innovative independent publisher based in beautiful Miami. Mango publishes books from the freshest, most distinctive voices of our time. Mango books seek to stretch the boundaries of our online culture, social media, and ideas. Books have changed our lives and we believe that Mango books should be instruments of change, inspiration, and entertainment. We publish books, eBooks, journals, and workbooks covering new ideas and pursuits across a global range of interests and passions. Mango authors are experts in their fields, are creative and marketing geniuses and know-how to share and socialize their ideas. Mango authors are our partners in publishing. Together, we produce great books to help build authors’ brands and long-term success.
250 copies • Partial manuscript.
Sunbury Press, Inc., headquartered in Mechanicsburg, PA is a publisher of hardcover, trade paperback, and eBooks featuring established and emerging authors in many categories. Sunbury's books are sold through leading booksellers worldwide. We are a traditional royalty-paying trade publisher.
250 copies • Partial manuscript.
Cranthorpe Millner operates a hybrid publishing model. This means, should an author pass our editors’ strict filtering system, we can offer different kinds of agreements depending on the author and the manuscript. With some authors, we work under a ‘traditional’ model, whereby we cover the full cost of publication and the author is offered industry-standard royalties (8-10%). To some authors, we offer what we call a partnership or contributory agreement, whereby the author is asked for a financial contribution so that we may share the risk and enter into a partnership together to publish the author’s book. In this case, the author receives around 60-75% royalties.
500 copies • Completed manuscript.
Emerald Lake Books is a hybrid publishing company that provides a unique blend of business coaching with publishing to help its authors succeed, whether it’s their first book or their fiftieth! Emerald Lake Books specializes in working with positive people who have an engaging, exciting, or entertaining message to share with the world. Using a unique, goal-oriented approach to publishing, we combine our business and publishing knowledge to help our authors set and attain goals for their readers, their brands, and their books. And many of those books have gone on to win international awards and recognition.
Since 2002, Lulu has enabled more than 1 million authors in more than 225 countries and territories to self-publish nearly 2 million publications. Our industry-leading tools, worldwide print network and global community help authors hone their craft and publish printed books and eBooks for FREE. Offering the largest Indie bookstore at Lulu.com and distribution services, you can sell in online bookstores around the world. With Lulu, authors are in control, forever owning the rights to their works, setting their own price and keeping 80 percent of their book profits and 90 percent of eBook profits.
Mascot Books is a full-service hybrid publisher dedicated to helping authors at all stages of their publishing journey create a high-quality printed or digital book that matches their vision. With comprehensive editorial, design, marketing, production, and distribution services, our authors have the support of an experienced publishing team while still retaining one of the highest royalty percentages in the business.
Warren Publishing is a small, independent publisher that has been in business for over thirty years and publishes between forty and fifty titles per years. Several of our books have reached #1 for their categories on Amazon.com, and many have achieved best-seller status even before their launch date. Our work has won awards for remarkable publishing, including the Benjamin Franklin Award from IBPA, several Moonbeam Children's Book Awards, and the Garland P. Stout Publishing Award for Excellence in Publishing. We pride ourselves on the partnership relationship we provide to our authors through the publishing process. We provide high-quality design, expert editing, world-wide distribution through Ingram, and custom-tailored marketing support.
Dear Author,
You worked hard to write your manuscript; finally, it's ready to release. You know that expert assistance is needed, but perhaps you didn’t realize that working with a publisher is no longer necessary—especially publishers who charge fees to produce your book upfront and "share" more of your revenue whenever a book is sold.
1106 Design is an author services company. We offer all the editorial and design services you’d expect from a publisher, transforming your manuscript into a market-ready book. But here's the difference: we help you secure print-on-demand printing and worldwide distribution in your name. This means you earn several dollars more for every book sold instead of a meager “royalty.”
We understand that your book is not just a passion project but also a potential source of income. That's why we offer a range of services tailored to your needs at affordable prices. Depending on your manuscript's word count and complexity, our packages range from $4,000 to $10,000. And here's the best part: after this one-time investment, every penny of net revenue from book sales goes directly to you, never to us.
If this sounds like a better way to publish your book, I invite you to browse our services, design samples, no-surprises pricing, outstanding customer reviews, and educational articles at https://1106design.com. You can download a free PDF of my book, "Publish Like the Pros: A Brief Guide to Quality Self-Publishing and an Insider's Look at a Misunderstood Industry," and request a free, no-obligation consultation.
1106 Design has been in business since 2001 and is rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau. We are a “Highly Recommended Expert” at IngramSpark.com and rated "Excellent" at Alli, The Alliance for Independent Authors, at SelfPublishingAdvice.org, where you can find a "watchdog list" of the best and worst publishing services companies.
How can we serve you today?
Sincerely,
Michele DeFilippo, owner
100 copies • Completed manuscript.
24by7publishing.com is India's most creative book publishing platform where the authors control all the major decisions. It helps authors to run his book publishing project as the CEO of his venture or with thought leadership. 24by7publishing.com supports the authors by providing all the related services including editing, proofreading, typesetting, formatting, printing, publishing, distributing, promoting, etc. Authors are entitled to up to 100% royalty profit share.
250 copies • Partial manuscript.
Atmosphere Press is an independent publisher dedicated to author rights. We publish in all genres and have an exceptional editorial, design, and promotional staff. We stand for Honesty, Transparency, Professionalism, and Kindness. We want our authors and their readers to be blown away when they first hold that book in their hands. It needs to look good inside and out, and feel good to the touch. And, of course, the words need to be top-notch, and our editors are devoted to making that the case.
100 copies • Partial manuscript.
Bookmobile provides book printing, graphic design, and other resources to support book publishers in an ever-changing environment. Superior quality, excellent customer service, flexibility, and timely turnarounds have attracted nearly 1,000 satisfied clients to Bookmobile, including trade houses, university presses, independent publishers, museums, galleries, artists, and more. In addition, we manage eBook conversions and produce galleys, and regularly provide short-run reprints of 750 copies or fewer for major publishers such as Graywolf Press.
100 copies • Completed manuscript.
eBooks2go, Inc. was founded in 2011 to provide the missing link for all your publishing needs. Our end-to-end solutions provide the guidance and support that enable publishers and independent authors to pursue their passions. To date, we have helped more than 750 authors and 100 publishers worldwide. We offer an array of simple and affordable solutions to assist self-publishing authors at every stage of the book publishing process. Our comprehensive service offering includes editing, print and eBook production, book marketing, cover designs, ISBN registration, and even website designs. We are a single source for all of your publishing needs.
100 copies • Completed manuscript.
Happy Self Publishing has helped 500+ authors to get their books self-published, hit the #1 position in the Amazon bestseller charts, and also establish their author website & brand to grow their business. And the best thing is, we do all this without taking away your rights and royalties. Let's schedule a call to discuss the next steps in your book project: www.meetme.so/jyotsnaramachandran
ShieldCrest are book publishers based in the UK who fill that vital gap for talented authors where mainstream publishers are unwilling to give them that chance. We strive for excellence and invest in our authors and are listed in FreeIndex as the number one independent publisher in the UK for price quality and service rated author satisfaction. We publish books of all genres including; fiction, historical, biographies and children's books.
ShieldCrest publishing continues to grow rapidly with satisfied authors throughout the UK and overseas. Our range of products includes paperbacks, hardbacks and digitised e-books in all formats used globally in the myriad of e-readers.
In addition to the above, ShieldCrest provides a complete range of services including book design and layout, illustrations, proof reading and editing. For marketing we offer author web page, press releases, social media marketing packages and many other support services to help both first time and experienced authors get their books into the market quickly and maximise on the opportunities available.
These services enable us to guide our authors through the process as we transform their manuscript into a professional book, which can take its place with pride next to any famous author's book of the same genre.
The staff at ShieldCrest have many years experience in the book industry and this wealth of experience is put at the disposal of our authors.
Our clients include established authors such as Diane Marshall who has been acclaimed as the best writing talent to come from Scotland for years by The Scotsman newspaper, and Prof Donald Longmore OBE, who performed the first heart transplant in the UK and has sold thousands of medical books used by students throughout the world. We also recently released "Martin Foran-The Forgotten Man" by J.R. Stephenson, which features fraud within the police, abuse within the prison service and injustices in the courts and has been featured in the press and on TV.
Happy Valentine's Day!
I wanted to give you a quick update on Normal! I am almost done writing the book, and I'm working with my friends …
Thanks so much for your support of NORMAL!
It means the world to me!
Please consider further sharing on social media using the following links: …
Thank you for your support of teachers and donors choose.
Best of luck with Normal!
So excited to read this book and have it for my classroom! Thank you for all you do for DC and my class 💕
Can’t wait to read it!!!! I know it will be worth reading at least 10 times!!!! Xo
So happy to share this with my student!
I can’t wait to receive and read my copy! As a NYC public school teacher, I thank you for always supporting public education via DonorsChoose.org! Way to go! 🙌 Best of luck! I will definitely be sharing out this link to my fellow teachers!
Woohooo!
So happy to see all of the incredible ways you are using your unique talents to make the world a better place.
This is fantastic Dave!
HBD and congrats on the new book- looking forward to sharing with my kids.
Can't wait!!!
Dearest Dave - thanks for writing a kids book! Can't wait to see your spin on our adolescent experience. Having lived through it real-time, I know you are going to hit a home-run with the middle grade audience. LMK how I can help support. Looking forward to the launch!
Oh very excited about this!!! My daughters are nearly 9 and 12 years old and although we are on the other side of The Pond i think this will resonate with them too! Being creative and different and getting confidence is crucial at that age!
Congratulations! Well done.
Congratulations and Happy Birthday Dave. Xo, Gwen
Thank you for writing this, Dave! Can’t wait to read it with my 11 year old daughter
Congrats Dave!! Best of luck
Daughters are always right. Can't wait to read "Normal."
Congrats and best of luck!
Congratulations! Perfect timing for Middle School!
Love the sound of this story. Enjoy crushing Publishizer!!
Just ordered a book for my son, and his teacher. Congrats!
good luck!
Excited to read and share!!!
Sounds like a great first fiction, Dave! I'm excited to read it and share it!
Congratulations on another book- and another trip around the sun- Happy Birthday!
Congratulations, Dave! All the best to you and your family.
Excited to read it w my kids, Dave!
Woohoo - congrats Dave! Can't wait to get my books!
Can’t wait to read it! Thanks Dave!
Congrats Dave! You are always inspiring me to help others! Keep it up. Cheers, Equalman
Just ordered! A very important book in this so not-normal world we live in.
It worked Dave! Congrats on your new book! Excited to read it with my girls!
I already know this book is going to be amazing based on the amazingness of the author!
looking forward to reading this!
Can’t wait!!
Best of luck! Looking forward to reading your book with my daughter.
Hope my son enjoys and gains inspiration from the book! Thanks for writing the book!
What a perfect "next step", Dave! You have a smart daughter!!
Congrats Dave! Can’t wait to read it!!
I just ordered!! So excited to read it.
So excited to read this! I was afraid if I waited I wouldn’t get to buy the signed copy version! Thank you for helping students by writing this!
Congrats on the book, Dave. I can’t wait to share it with my daughter.
Good luck
Can't wait for the launch party !
Thanks, this sounds like a book my 12 year-old son will love!
Happy To Support You Dave!
Good luck Dave for the launch of your new book! I am sure it will be a success!
Congratulations Dave!!! 😘
Excited to read Normal to my Children.
While not the target demographic, excited to read it and share with nephews who are!
Can't wait to read it. Can't wait to get your comments on mine!
Hey Dave, I just preordered my 3 books. I am very excited to get them. I wish you all of the best in your book sales. I believe this book will be a huge hit! Congratulations!
-Beth Davis
Keep up the great work!
Can't wait :)
Hi Dave, Very timely theme for your first novel. Can't wait to read it! --Wil
Congratulations! A fantastic integration of you life, family, work as a teacher, social media practioner & mental health advocate. Can't wait to read. Here's to uniqueness! - Kathleen Carroll
PS, great to see your beautiful & smart daughter involved
Looking forward to reading this! Good luck, and CU soon.
Happy to own this book and share it. Good stuff, DK! :)
Congratulations on the Book Dave! I’m excited to read it! Best wishes from your friend Paul
Can't wait to read with our boys!
Thanks for sharing this and helping all children to feel accepted, loved and valuable.
Good luck with the book, Dave. Important topic.
This. Is. Brilliant. First of all, the kids defining the word "Normal" in the video: BRILLIANT. As adults we (rather, not I, but most people) forget that who we are today is building block of all the versions of ourselves we've been, most importantly, in childhood. In addition, many adults forget the powerful impact made via choices, not only on kids, but on each other. As someone who knows we, and it, are all connected.. .through our stories, I look forward to learning the journey of the 4 kids and where it leads... Happy to Support YOU! And thanks for the LinkedIn Shout Out. Kindness goes a long way :) Cheers, Carlyn Shaw "The Strangers To Friends" Gal (StrangersToFriends.com)
You’re an inspiration to the next generation! Thank you for leading the way for others like me, to follow.
$20
174 readers
Receive the paperback copy of "Normal." The first 200 people to preorder this reward get an exclusive invite to the book launch party in New York after the book is published. Dave will be there signing copies.
**20% of total book sales for the 1st 5,000 preorders will go to DonorsChoose.org, a United States–based 501 nonprofit organization that donates directly to public school classroom projects. Founded in 2000 by former public school teacher Charles Best, DonorsChoose.org was among the first civic crowdfunding platforms of its kind.
Includes:
$40
40 readers
2 paperback copies of "Normal," to share with a friend. This is a more popular bonus in the fiction world. Do you know someone who loves a good middle grade novel? This makes the perfect gift. *One of them will by a signed and personalized copy by Dave Kerpen.
**1st 500 people to preorder the '2 copies' bonus will receive a $10 gift card to Donors Choose to support a classroom project of your choice!"
**20% of total book sales for the 1st 5,000 preorders go to DonorsChoose.org, a United States–based 501 nonprofit organization that donates directly to public school classroom projects. Founded in 2000 by former public school teacher Charles Best, DonorsChoose.org was among the first civic crowdfunding platforms of its kind.
Includes:
$697
1 reader
35 print copies of "Normal," and a personalized thank you note from Dave Kerpen for sharing this with your community. Thank you for your support and helping this book reach more hands!
**20% of total book sales for the 1st 5,000 preorders will go to DonorsChoose.org, a United States–based 501 nonprofit organization that donates directly to public school classroom projects. Founded in 2000 by former public school teacher Charles Best, DonorsChoose.org was among the first civic crowdfunding platforms of its kind.
Includes:
$10000
1 reader
Dave is a Global Keynote Speaker and has established himself as a force of people skills and business acumen in the ever-evolving social media world. Dave thrives at the intersection of likeability and ambition, where he has forged his own role as an expert and leader.
**If you hire Dave to speak during this 30 days preorder campaign for "Normal," he will give your entire audience a copy of his new middle grade fiction book, up to 500 copies.
**20% of total book sales for the 1st 5,000 preorders will go to DonorsChoose.org, a United States–based 501 nonprofit organization that donates directly to public school classroom projects. Founded in 2000 by former public school teacher Charles Best, DonorsChoose.org was among the first civic crowdfunding platforms of its kind.
Includes:
on Sept. 30, 2018, 1:41 p.m.
Cannot wait to get my books. You rule!!!