Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict, a novel by Trenton Lee Steward

Add caption  Having read the Mysterious Benedict Society series, I was anxiously looking forward to the next book in the series.  However, Trenton decided to do a "pre-quel" to the series, setting up the how's and why's of the Society itself. 

Nicholas Benedict is an orphan, not knowing how he can to be an orphan, as was the usual case in the era this book is set in.  Nicholas is sent from one orphanage, to another, one steeped in mystery.  Due to his rather unusual "condition" he is set up in a room all to himself, and at the top of the establishment, however, he is also locked in the room every evening..........., little do those in charge of the orphanage know that he is a "wizard" at solving problems beyond normal circumstances