The New Norm: Volume 1

A chronically online middle schooler tries to bring his social media fame into his real life in this new middle grade series about surviving cringe both on the internet and IRL!

Everyone’s got a lot to say on the Meadowview Middle School social media forum. From roasts of Mrs. Klinger’s morning announcements to rage-bait cafeteria pizza reviews, the tea is hot!

And in the middle of it all is Alexander “Norm” Norman, who has just gone unintentionally viral across the internet and become a middle-school celebrity. Pretty sweet, right? Well, not so much. Can Norm balance his real friends and his new fame—and make it through the first week of school without getting totally roasted in the chat?

About the author

Matthew J. Gilbert is the author of more than forty books, including this one! Besides coauthoring the award-nominated Classroom 13 series, he has written books for some of the world’s most beloved properties including Stranger Things, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, TRON, and more. Under the pen name Jordan Quinn, Matthew is the writer for the Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly graphic novel series. Before becoming an author, Matthew was an award-winning TV writer for Nickelodeon, working in creative advertising for big Hollywood movies…all from a tiny cubicle in New York City. He currently lives in far-too-sunny California with his wife and loyal cat sidekick.

Product details

• Authors: Matthew J Gilbert, Matthew J. Gilbert
• Publisher: Harper Collins
• Languages: English
• Age Recommendation: ages 8 to 12
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Release: 04.06.2026
• EAN: 9798347103393
• ISBN: 979-8-3471-0339-3
• No. of pages: 160
• Dimensions: 130 mm x 194 mm x 10 mm
• Illustrations: f-c matte cvr w-emboss, fifth color, & spot UV; b-w int illus.
• Series: The New Norm
• Subjects: Children's and young people's books; JUVENILE FICTION / School & Education, JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Friendship, Family & home stories (Children's / Teenage), JUVENILE FICTION / Technology / General, Children’s / Teenage general interest: Social media