The Mysterious Benedict Society Summary and Reviews

The Mysterious Benedict Society

by Trenton Lee Stewart, illustrated by Carson Ellis

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, illustrated by Carson Ellis X
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, illustrated by Carson Ellis
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About this book

Book Summary

Dozens of children respond to this peculiar ad in the newspaper and are then put through a series of mind-bending tests, which readers take along with them. Only four children - two boys and two girls - succeed. Their challenge: to go on a secret mission that only the most intelligent and inventive 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. But what they'll find in the hidden underground tunnels of the school is more than your average school supplies. So, if you're gifted, creative, or happen to know Morse Code, they could probably use your help.

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Reviews

Media Reviews

"Starred Review. Smart kids who like Blue Balliet's books are the natural audience for this; but, read aloud, the novel will attract many others as well." - Booklist.

"Though the book is lengthy, readers will likely enjoy getting lost in this fully imagined realm." - PW.

"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.

"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.

This information about The Mysterious Benedict Society was first featured in "The BookBrowse Review" - BookBrowse's membership magazine, and in our weekly "Publishing This Week" newsletter. Publication information is for the USA, and (unless stated otherwise) represents the first print edition. The reviews are necessarily limited to those that were available to us ahead of publication. If you are the publisher or author and feel that they do not properly reflect the range of media opinion now available, send us a message with the mainstream reviews that you would like to see added.

Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.

Reader Reviews

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Andrew S

Mysterious Benedict Society
This book, The Mysterious Benedict Society, by Trenton Lee Stewart was one of the most exciting and interesting books I have ever read! This book pulls you into a black hole that is almost impossible to get out of. The characters in this book are all so unique that almost everybody is able to relate to one of them. This is a book that you can read if you are looking for mystery, adventure, or even just a little bit of comedy.

This book is about four kids named Reynie, Kate, Constance, and Sticky who go through a series of tests that take them places that they never would have thought of before. These kids are all special in their own way and come together to form a team that is vital to the future of the world. This team goes through danger and action that will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the whole book.

The author uses imagery and dialogue to help develop the characters and set the different scenes throughout the book. There are many surprises that come along the way like little presents that make the book even more exhilarating. Whether you are teenager looking for a novel or a middle aged man just looking for a good book, this is the right choice!

Sally

It was great
This book was amazing and I loved it. It was just fantastic and I want everyone to read it. It was funny and scary and surprising and the book made you read the book to figure it out. You could not just read the first few chapters and then figure everything out. It was just an awesome book!
:)

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