Customer Reviews
wonderful! 
2008-06-28
I really loved this book, and I think everyone should read it! Plenty of suspense and mystery.When 4 smart, strange and eccentric kids go out to save the world, why wouldn't it be great? After reading this, check out the sequel, The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey (Mysterious Benedict Society)
simply wonderful 
2008-06-27
A very simple but well written story. The characters are well developed.
I will definetely read the 2nd title.
There should be an option of 6 stars... 2008-06-27
Amazing, out-of-this-world stuff! Adventure, witty descriptions, comical actions. Lee perfectly paced the story and gave characters depth where I grew to love each and every one of them. Reynie, Sticky, Kate, and Constance faced dangers that left me wondering whether luck shall befall them or not. Written in a very entertaining way, I never had a moment where I wished it weren't dinnertime or bedtime.
I had been looking for a book that would grasp me and not let me go. This was it. I marveled (and still do) at the author's talent for putting together such a wonderful and creative story. From the moment at Border's Bookstore I saw the cover and read the back description, I felt like this was for me. I'm ever so glad I took the risk of buying an unknown book (as in this risk you have about a 1 in 3 chance you'll like it).
If you are a person reading this review whether child or adult, I promise you, The Mysterious Benedict Society won't let you down. From beginning to end (and literally to the last page), the adventure and purity of storytelling will reach out to you, so when you're done you'll say "Wow," and write a review full of praise.
P.S. Pay close attention to the names. They're all really quite interesting.
A stupendously smart story of singularly-super spy sprogs 2008-06-27
The Mysterious Benedict Society begins with a whole lot of children appearing at the appointed place in response to a newspaper ad asking, "Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities." After a series of unusual tests (my favorite part of the book), only four remain. The foursome is destined to become a team of spies at The Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, run by mastermind genius Ledroptha Curtain. Their mission is to secretly investigate Curtain and his mind-altering device, while masquerading as regular students. Armed with little beyond brains, a bit of brawn, and a bucket, the kids are dropped off at the island school. They learn about its student leaders, the Messengers and Executives, who are given special privileges involving (beware of upcoming spoilers) the Whisperer, a machine invented by Curtain that filters his messages through the minds of certain pupils, which are then transferred directly into the brains of others by way of TV, radio and phone signals. They, in turn, trigger memories of longer, more specific doublespeak-like messages. Children must be used because (p 101) "Where adult thoughts would lumber into the mind like an elephant, children's creep in on cat feet and find a shadowy place to hide." Sticky, Reynie, Kate and Constance keep their leader, Mr. Benedict (thus the group's name), and his two odd intellectual assistants apprised of the situation by using riddles transmitted by Morse code. Keeping ahead of Curtain's minions and the evil Recruiters while trying to learn the mysteries of the Whisperer and its workings leads to several close calls (and a lot of entertainment for the reader). A mind is a terrible thing to waste. And it won't be as long as Mr. Benedict and his team are on the case. The Mysterious Benedict Society is a smart book about a varied group of pre-teens that push past their fears to solve a mental mystery, supporting the contention that you can do anything if you put your mind to it. Its humor, challenging vocabulary, and original plot make it an excellent choice for nine to eleven-year-old science fiction and mystery fans. Also good: The Tale of Despereaux by Kate Dicamillo, A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket, Coraline by Neil Gaiman, and The Giver by Lois Lowery.
Wonderful mysterious adventure story for children 2008-06-26
I'm often drawn to the Juvenile Fiction section of our library. On this journey, I was not disappointed! This story offers clever puzzles, interesting character development, and a topsy-turvy adventure that keeps you turning the pages, but seldom cringing.
Incredible story! 2008-07-21
Wow, what an amazing book. Deliciously similar to A Series of Unfortunate Events, this book follows the adventures of four intrepid orphans, each with their own idiosyncratic skill sets as they battle against phenomenal villian, Mr. Curtain. His twin brother Mr. Benedict is spearheading a fight against him and his mind control machine. While the story is about some courageous kids, it also features many wonderful turns of phrase. It captures the spirit of using language inventively, without resorting to the pedantic device of using dictionary entries. Lots of thought provoking stuff about family, friendship, bravery and happiness. The book wraps up rather neatly, without hints of a sequel, but I for one, am hoping for more, because I didn't want it to end! This book has all the elements in place: great language, wierd and unique spy games (Morse Code, coded messages, etc), superior villians, and a plot that races along. Loved it!
The best book I ever read 2008-07-15
The Mysterious Benedict Society is THE best book I have ever read. It is about four gifted kids looking for special opportunities. The kids go through three different tests with about 70 other gifted children. Only four succeed: Reynie,Stickey,Kate and Constance. Together, these four friends will try to prove that they can outsmart the evil Mr.Curtain, their biggest challenge yet. Will they succeed?
Stories for Children Magazine 5 Star Review 2008-07-03
When I first started reading the first few chapters I wasn't sure I was going to like the book. I felt it had a bit of a slow start and it took sometime for me to bond with the main character, Reynie Muldoon. After sticking to my rule, which is to read the first 100 pages before putting a book down, I started to be drawn into the storyline. The Mysterious Benedict Society is about a bund of children who have either been orphaned, abandoned, or have run away from home. A man named Mr. Benedict has setup some tests to find gifted children among this groups of children. In which case he does and this is how Reynie Muldoon, Kate Wetherall, Sticky Washington, and Constance Contraire become the four members of The Mysterious Benedict Society.
What I do like about this book is it caters to reluctant readers. Boys and girls alike can relate to the story. These four friends find out through out the book, along with the reader, is children are an important part of our lives. Sometimes children can solve problems most adults can't see at the end of their nose. This four brainy, witty, and adventurous children set out to save the world from a mad man named Mr. Curtain. They must become spies at Mr. Curtain's institute, send secret messages, and work their way up to becoming Messengers so they can learn Mr. Curtain's secrets and stop him before its too late.
The action really gets going once the children arrive at the institute which is almost half way through the book, but it's well worth the wait. Also, readers will enjoy the child like humor and gross descriptions throughout the story.
Now here's what a young book review had to say:
The Mysterious Benedict Society Book Review
By: Carson King, Young Book Reviewer
I chose my book, The Mysterious Benedict Society, because it sounded like my type of book, a half-fantasy. It is a flawless story about four orphans, Kate, Reynie, Sticky, and Constance. In the beginning, they take a series of tests. All do well and make it into the Mysterious Benedict Society. They are sent on a mission to stop the founder of a mysterious school, (Mr. Benedict's brother, Mr. Ledorptha Curtain), from destroying the whole human race. The group, though best of friends, go through many ups and downs during their mission. The book ends in a whirlwind, and you find yourself content.
I loved it because of the way the author portrayed it and I felt I was witnessing every scene.
A teacher's thumbs up! 2008-07-01
I have NEVER read a book aloud to my fifth-grade class that caused them to beg to stay IN FOR RECESS so that I could read another chapter! I was FLOORED! I saw this novel at a school book sale, randomly chose it due to its seemingly intriguing plot and mention of "Gifted Children", which describes the group of kids I teach. It turns out that this tale not only mesmerized my kids, but kept me interested and flipping the pages as well. All teachers know there is nothing worse than being stuck in a read-aloud that mid-way through no longer captivates the reader or the listeners. No worries with this novel. The characters are fun and easy for all children to relate to. The plot is mysterious, lively, and calls for the reader to think. Don't fear the length. It flies by. I would say all kids around the age of 10 and up will love joining The Mysterious Benedict Society, and will be THRILLED to know there is already a sequel.
A Page Turner 2008-06-30
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)
