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The Mysterious Benedict Society (Mysterious Benedict Society #01)

by Trenton Lee Stewart

The Mysterious Benedict Society (Mysterious Benedict Society #01) Cover

ISBN13: 9780316003957
ISBN10: 0316003956
Condition: Standard
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Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?

When this peculiar ad appears in the newspaper, dozens of children enroll to take a series of mysterious, mind-bending tests. (And you, dear reader, can test your wits right alongside them.) But in the end just four very special children will succeed. Their challenge: to go on a secret mission that only the most intelligent and resourceful children could complete. To accomplish it they will have to go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where the only rule is that there are no rules.

As our heroes face physical and mental trials beyond their wildest imaginations, they have no choice but to turn to each other for support. But with their newfound friendship at stake, will they be able to pass the most important test of all?

Welcome to the Mysterious Benedict Society.

Review:

"Stewart's (Flood Summer, for adults) first book for young people begins with a bang. Gifted 11-year-old orphan Reynie Muldoon is sharing the newspaper with his tutor when she excitedly points out an ad: 'Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?' She encourages him to take the series of tests cited in the ad, and the entire process resembles the otherworldly experience of Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, with puzzles within puzzles and tests within tests — some mental, some ethical, some physical. Ultimately three children pass the first test and go on to the next: Reynie, Sticky (born George) Washington and Kate Wetherall — all of them essentially orphans. A fourth, the 'very, very small' Constance Contraire, joins them later, and Mr. Benedict describes why he has brought them together. Initially, readers — like the four children — may be unsure of what to think about this mysterious gent: Is he hero or villain? Mr. Benedict has recruited them to foil an evil plan, devised by a mysterious 'Sender,' to brainwash the population via secret messages — delivered by children — embedded in television and radio programs. The plot-driven novel follows many adventures among the four, whose unique talents all come into play; readers will likely warm to each of them. A couple of concluding twists involving Kate and Connie may throw readers a bit, but these do not detract from the book's entertainment value or from the author's sound overall structure. Though the book is lengthy, readers will likely enjoy getting lost in this fully imagined realm. Ages 8-12." Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

Review:

"Fans of Roald Dahl or Blue Balliett will find a familiar blend of kid power, clues, and adventure." School Library Journal

Review:

"With its lively style, fresh character portrayals, and well-timed revelations, this story flies past, thrilling us as it goes. Just be sure your flashlight batteries are well charged." Horn Book Magazine

Review:

"The characters are well developed, mostly appealing, and evenhanded. Ellis's line drawings add a crowning flair. Do not miss this one. Buy two copies because they will be needed." VOYA

Review:

"[A] feel-good story with a happy ending for the four orphaned and runaway children who find friendship and family." Children's Literature

Review:

"Low in physical violence, while being rich in moral and ethical issues, as well as in appealingly complex characters and comedy sly and gross, this Lemony Snicket-style outing sprouts hooks for hearts and minds both..." Kirkus Reviews

Synopsis:

A first-time novelist takes readers on a dazzling adventure that puts friends, family, and foe to the test, as four children go on a secret mission that only the most intelligent and inventive children can complete. Illustrations.

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About the Author

Trenton Lee Stewart, graduate of the Iowa Writers' Workshop and author of the adult novel Flood Summer, lives in Arkansas with his wife and two sons. This is his debut children's novel.

Carson Ellis received her BFA from the University of Montana and has established a loyal following for her artistic collaborations with the band the Decemberists. She lives in Portland, Oregon.

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What Our Readers Are Saying

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Average customer rating based on 7 comments:
lucien.lasocki, January 1, 2012 (view all comments by lucien.lasocki)
Best book I have read in my life! You must read it!
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Pam HH, January 1, 2012 (view all comments by Pam HH)
Fun, lively book that kept me turning the pages.
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heath bar, November 30, 2010 (view all comments by heath bar)
To join the Mysterious Benedict Society children have to pass a series of unusual tests after responding to a newspaper add. There are strict rules; if you don’t follow them or cheat, you will be disqualified. The children who are chosen are given a dangerous, but very important mission. It must be completed correctly; the human race depends on it. “You are our last possible hope. You are our only hope.” This shows you how important it is to complete the mission. The Mysterious Benedict Society is suspenseful and surprising; almost every time I thought I knew what would happen next, the characters did the exact opposite. You are sure to love this book if you like mystery, action, suspense, and humor. I know that these things made the book interesting and exciting for me.
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Product Details

ISBN:
9780316003957
Author:
Stewart, Trenton Lee
Publisher:
Little, Brown Young Readers
Illustrator:
Ellis, Carson
Subject:
Action & Adventure - General
Subject:
Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General
Subject:
Adventure and adventurers
Subject:
Schools
Subject:
Science fiction
Subject:
Children s-Adventure Stories
Copyright:
2008
Edition Description:
Paperback
Series:
Mysterious Benedict Society
Series Volume:
01
Publication Date:
April 2008
Binding:
TRADE PAPER
Language:
English
Illustrations:
Y
Pages:
512
Dimensions:
7.62x5.21x1.34 in. 1.01 lbs.
Age Level:
08-12
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Related Aisles

The Mysterious Benedict Society (Mysterious Benedict Society #01) Used Trade Paper
0 stars - 0 reviews
$4.95 In Stock
Product details 512 pages Little Brown and Company - English 9780316003957 Reviews:
"Publishers Weekly Review" by , "Stewart's (Flood Summer, for adults) first book for young people begins with a bang. Gifted 11-year-old orphan Reynie Muldoon is sharing the newspaper with his tutor when she excitedly points out an ad: 'Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?' She encourages him to take the series of tests cited in the ad, and the entire process resembles the otherworldly experience of Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, with puzzles within puzzles and tests within tests — some mental, some ethical, some physical. Ultimately three children pass the first test and go on to the next: Reynie, Sticky (born George) Washington and Kate Wetherall — all of them essentially orphans. A fourth, the 'very, very small' Constance Contraire, joins them later, and Mr. Benedict describes why he has brought them together. Initially, readers — like the four children — may be unsure of what to think about this mysterious gent: Is he hero or villain? Mr. Benedict has recruited them to foil an evil plan, devised by a mysterious 'Sender,' to brainwash the population via secret messages — delivered by children — embedded in television and radio programs. The plot-driven novel follows many adventures among the four, whose unique talents all come into play; readers will likely warm to each of them. A couple of concluding twists involving Kate and Connie may throw readers a bit, but these do not detract from the book's entertainment value or from the author's sound overall structure. Though the book is lengthy, readers will likely enjoy getting lost in this fully imagined realm. Ages 8-12." Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)
"Review" by , "Fans of Roald Dahl or Blue Balliett will find a familiar blend of kid power, clues, and adventure."
"Review" by , "With its lively style, fresh character portrayals, and well-timed revelations, this story flies past, thrilling us as it goes. Just be sure your flashlight batteries are well charged."
"Review" by , "The characters are well developed, mostly appealing, and evenhanded. Ellis's line drawings add a crowning flair. Do not miss this one. Buy two copies because they will be needed."
"Review" by , "[A] feel-good story with a happy ending for the four orphaned and runaway children who find friendship and family."
"Review" by , "Low in physical violence, while being rich in moral and ethical issues, as well as in appealingly complex characters and comedy sly and gross, this Lemony Snicket-style outing sprouts hooks for hearts and minds both..."
"Synopsis" by , A first-time novelist takes readers on a dazzling adventure that puts friends, family, and foe to the test, as four children go on a secret mission that only the most intelligent and inventive children can complete. Illustrations.

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