The Mysterious Benedict Society
by Trenton Lee Stewart
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Book Reviews of The Mysterious Benedict Society
Book Review: Refreshng surprise
Summary: 5 Stars
I have read A LOT of books...and that makes it extremely hard for a book to truly surprise me. Skills like prediction tend to become second nature to people who read all of the time. So, when I read a book that genuinely gives me a surprise I find it refreshing. When that book also happens to be a children's novel, I'm doubly impressed. Trenton Lee Stewart's The Mysterious Benedict Society did just that. I read this book about a group of newly united gifted youngsters because I am actually a teacher of gifted youngsters. This book was on the Book Battle list for several of my students and, as a teacher, I always find it useful to keep myself knowledgeable about what my students are reading. I also keep a look-out for books about gifted children because my students really should have the opportunity to read about characters they can identify with.
I was very impressed with this story. It is far and above any other children's novel I've read in quite a while. It is so refreshing to read a children's book by an author who understands that just because the people he is writing for are young, doesn't me they need a dumbed-down plot or poorly developed characters. The characters were surprisingly well-developed and the plot contained constant twists and exciting riddles that kept the reader engaged and guessing.
This was a surprisingly good book and I think I would've enjoyed reading it even if I hadn't read it for the reasons I did. I highly recommend it, especially for anyone with gifted children or students.
Book Review: wonderful book for children AND adults
Summary: 5 Stars
I read this book myself and when I finished I couldn't wait to start reading it with my own children. We are about three-quarters of the way through and they are loving it as much as I did. This is the story of four children who are alone in the world but who become a team after answering a newspaper ad promising 'special opportunities' and passing a series of tests, which are themselves unique and fun -- testing for traits that are not immediately apparent. After the team is formed, the kids must attend an isolated school run by a villainous mastermind trying to (of course) take over the world! The book is immediately engaging and tists and suspense capture children's interest quickly and continue unabated. The book has clues, puzzles, adventure, kid heroes and a terrrific ending. I can't wait to read the next one -- I'm not waiting for the kids!
I really liked that the children are a true team, each with unique and essential talents, and they help each other -- they could not succeed in their mission without each one of them. There are bad guys who are evil but not nightmare-inducing; there are dilemmas and doubts which are surmounted; not all the adults are bad or stupid, as in many children's books; and the resolution is believable, fun and satisfying. What I didn't like was ... well, I can't think of a thing.
This book can be read alone by capable 5th graders (and despite its length it will keep them interested) or it's a terrific read-aloud book.
Highly recommended.
Book Review: The Mysterious Benedict Society
Summary: 4 Stars
The Mysterious Benedict Society
By: Trenton Lee Stewart
Published March 2007
This story takes place in the quiet, somewhat average, town of Stonetown Harbor. With its average buildings, average schools, and mostly average children. Except for four. Reynie, Kate, Sticky, and Constance are those four. Kate is the tall, strong, daring girl, (hard to believe but not all of us girls are complete sissies). Reynie is the person who has the answer to almost anything. Sticky (George) is the brainiack, walking encyclopedia, and Constance is the three-year-old girl mind reader. Since they are all so different, they make a great team.
These four were four out of hundreds to pass a test with mental brain twisters and situational survival techniques. These questions all come into play when the four are accepted into a society, The Mysterious Benedict Society, with Mr. Benedict, a slightly kooky, older man in a wheelchair as their advisor and mentor. Their mission: to pose as students in a mysterious institute, one that has put Mr. B on alert lately. The principal: Mr. Curtain, a man based all on control who plots world domination with the whisper, a mysterious machine as his weapon of choice.
This brilliantly written novel is the first book of a trilogy, with each book being more exciting then the last. You're pulled in as you wait for their fate! I would defiantly recommend this book to readers who love a mind boggling, heart wrenching, action packed novel. Four stars!
Book Review: The Mysterious Benedict Society
Summary: 4 Stars
Trenton Lee Stewart really wrote a great book for the young teen. In the Mysterious Benedict Society, Reynie, Kate, Sticky, and Constance are very special children. They are also runaways, orphans, and castoffs; but they all have a talent. As a result of having those talents, a man named Mr. Benedict brings these four kids together to go under cover to a school. With that mission the Mysterious Benedict Society is born.
The Mysterious Benedict Society is certainly a book you don't want to judge by its cover. First off I loved how the author made sure you wouldn't fall asleep by any slow parts instead he made it a page turner by using a lot of cliff hangers. Also they made the problems sound serious by making the charters take risks for the mission.
This book takes place in Stone Town, and an institute on Noman Island. Trenton Lee Stewart made an ok setting, but I would recommend a more realistic town by explaining more of the buildings and places. Noman Island sounded like a nightmare with guards posted everywhere, and a creepy room called The Waiting Room. With all the horrors there, I would not even think about registering there!
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes adventure, or a teacher doing read aloud for a class. Trust me, you will not regret reading this book. It is awesome. So read and find out what will happen to Reynie, Kate, Sticky, and Constance in the Mysterious Benedict Society.
Book Review: A Page Turner
Summary: 5 Stars
The Mysterious Benedict Society
By Trenton Lee Stewart
Mr. Benedict is a genius who is trying to stop a very serious crime ring. With no way to get into the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, he devises a plan to find the most intelligent children.
Children come from all over to take Mr. Benedict's test. They are tested in obedience, following directions, honesty etc. Although hundreds of children take the test, there are only four children who can pass it.
All of these children are either homeless, or orphans. They will infiltrate the school on an island in the middle of the sea. They will communicate with Mr. Benedict, through a secret code. If they choose to take on this mission, their very lives may be in peril.
These children learn to depend on each other. They learn to be brave, while learning just how smart and needed they are.
Children and adults alike will be entranced by The Mysterious Benedict Society.
I highly recommend this unusual tale of responsibility and never letting your friends down.
Jill Ammon Vanderwood
Author:
Through the Rug
Through The Rug: Follow That Dog (Through the Rug)