The Mysterious Benedict Society

[June 2010]



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The Mysterious Benedict Society
Trenton Lee Stewart
number of voters: 6
percentage of voters who finished the book: 100
highest rating: 10
lowest rating: 6.25
average rating: 7.58

experimental star rating system, average star rating: 3.8 stars


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WANTED: Bright readers for a delightful read. Must love a wee bit of wordplay, a smidge of sci-fi, a peppering of puzzles, and a pack of pint-sized protagonists. Bring only a suspension of disbelief and a playful spirit.

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Sometime in the near future, the world’s inhabitants will be on the brink of losing their minds to the control of an evil mastermind, Mr. Ledroptha Curtain. But, thankfully, a team of crack pre-teens is on the case.

Reynie, Sticky, Kate, and Constance comprise the Mysterious Benedict Society, so named for their narcoleptic leader, Mr. Benedict. Their adventures begin with a cryptic ad in the newspaper and end with a, well... we don’t want to give too much away, now do we?

Let’s just say that it involves a slew of tests, a secluded island school, a creepy machine, and a whole lot of booby traps. Oh, and a surprising little twist.

It won’t be the most riveting book you’ve read, nor the most believable, enlightening, or intellectual. But it is a fun, mostly easy read that you can enjoy with your kids (or your classroom).

Just remember: You must follow all the instructions in the ad or you will be disqualified!