The Mysterious Benedict Society (The Mysterious Benedict Society, 1)

While other reviews have already said this, I wanted to add another vote of 5 stars for a superb adventure book. As an adult who enjoys reading to her children, it was great to find a book that we both could thoroughly enjoy. Several nights my daughter even asked if she could go to bed a little early and have a "double chapter night". Rare stuff and high praise indeed. The language is quirky and unique in style but easy to read aloud and follow. The tale itself unfolds at a perfect pace and balances action with plenty of human content which helps builds the characters and scenery beautifully. The details of the surroundings, thoughts and emotions of the characters and their growing relationships are never cut short to make way for clever puns or flashy action. This depth of plot and character helps it stand out from many children's books that seem to rely on cheap toilet humour gags or obvious puns to keep the reader entertained. I like a funny kid's book as much as the next person, but very ready for a break and something that felt exciting but also a little more "grown up" for my nine year old. This has all the excitement and nostalgia of a Willard Price (remembered with rose tinted glasses of childhood) and teamwork of an Enid Blyton brought up to date. By the end of the tale I had already ordered the next in the series and happy to say that is it equally as exciting.

These kids may be too young to drive speedy cars, use dangerous gadgets and do death defying stunts but they’re not too young to go on a mission to stop the bad guy. We first meet Reynie, a nice orphan who sees a great opportunity for kids like him in the newspaper: a series of mind bending tests. He manages to pass the tests and is acquainted by others who did too: awkward Sticky, rambunctious Kate and short know-it-all Constance. They all meet the man responsible for the strange tests, oddball genius Mr. Benedict, who has chosen them to go on a mission to find out who’s behind the series of kidnappings that’s baffled even local law enforcement and must work and get along together and use their unique skills. A charming and intriguing adventure with an eccentric personality. Its lore, characters and group of kids have that feel that reminded me of Snicket’s “ASOUE” series, including their problem solving skills. My favorite moments included how we see Reynie and his new friends work together and eventually bonding into a great team. It ends well while showing that their adventure is turning into something new but also that it’s only begun. A compelling charmer. <b>A (100%/Outstanding)</b>

The story about misfits struggling to save the world from dark forces might sound familiar, but the writing is fresh, witty and beautifully descriptive. Full of surprising twists and heartwarming moments, the book is a quick-paced adventure with charming characters, all set in a mysterious island with creepy kids and even creepier grownups. I loved that although the kids were the undisputed protagonists, the grownups were more than just "the bad guys" or "the parents". There were real conversations, actual collaboration and even a heroic moment or two. A fun adventure story for kids of all ages.

This is a wonderful book and series for middle-school kids and their parents. My granddaughter was assigned it for summer reading and she enjoyed it to such a degree that, after finishing it, she read the second in the series and is now working on the third, and these babies are 500 pages each. No higher recommendation is possible. I read it myself so I could have something to talk about with her and, as a former literature major and present devotee of classic literature, I can't recommend it too highly. The different characters are distinct and distinctive, the plot is interesting and original, and it's exceptionally well written. A "literature-minded" adult can read these with pleasure. Most highly recommended.

This book is the first thing to come to mind when thinking about 4th grade. The four children are gifted in their own, unique ways. The female characters are equally as brilliant and important. It is an adventure, while remaining appropriate. This book expanded my view of the world to see things as potential puzzles and exposed me to the usefulness of morse code (this really stands out, even 12 years later!), a level head, and teamwork. Could not recommend more.