hillaryvillagers

The Mysterious Benedict Society

Trenton Lee Stewart

Illustrations by Carson Ellis

Dozens of young people answer a newspaper ad that offers gifted children special opportunities. After only four of them pass a series of challenging tests, two boys and two girls are admitted to the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened. Their secret mission is to discover who is using children to send hidden messages through radio and television transmissions. The children successfully use their special skills to thwart the headmaster’s evil plan. Although Stewart’s debut novel is lengthy, it is fast-paced and will hold the reader’s interest. Children will find out that the Institute’s headmaster is the evil twin brother of the kind gentleman behind the newspaper ad, Mr. Benedict. The young characters in this title will inspire the reader to follow through with their obligations, even when faced with temptation, self-doubt, and fear. This is a feel-good story with a happy ending for the four orphaned and runaway children who find friendship and family.

BIBLIO: 2006, Little Brown and Company, Ages 8 up, $16.99.

REVIEWER: Mary Jo Edwards

FORMAT: Middle Reader

ISBN: 0-316-05777-0

www.childrenslit.com

This looks likes like a delightful book MJ.  Do you think Nancy Drew would have been selected into the Institute?

Taylor, I have no earthly idea! I'm guessing you'd think so!