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 enlarge | Author: Trenton Lee Stewart
Creator: Carson Ellis
Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers
Category: Book
List Price: $6.99
Buy New: $3.55
You Save: $3.44 (49%)
New (50) Used (9) Collectible (1) from $3.55
Avg. Customer Rating:  102 reviews
Sales Rank: 150
Media: Paperback
Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 512
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.5
Dimensions (in): 7.4 x 5.3 x 1.4
ISBN: 0316003956
EAN: 9780316003957
ASIN: 0316003956
Publication Date: April 1, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: Brand new item. Over 4 million customers served. Order now. Selling online since 1995. Few left in stock - order soon. Code: H20081114205835T
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| Customer Reviews:
 Engaging Book for Grades 5 - 8 September 27, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I've been teaching elementary school for over 15 years now, and of all the children's books I have read absolutely none of them had as terrific opening and closing chapters as this book. Luckily, the middle chapters were equally as engaging! The Mysterious Benedict Society easily drew me in as the opening chapter introduced Reynard Muldoon, full-time orphan, genius, and social outcast. We follow Muldoon as he embarks on a quest to discover a 'great opportunity' which will enable him to 'achieve great things.' The story is very clever, and there are many puzzles and mysteries for the heroes and readers alike to discover and/or unravel as the book progresses.
A wonderful read!
Onto Book Number 2, The Family's Hooked! September 24, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I was pleasantly surprised by what this book has to offer! Wonderful characters and situations that have left me, my daughter of 6 and my son of 9 completely enthralled. You won't be disappointed, you will be on the edge of seat!
Great Book for my 11 yr old September 23, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
He read it in 4 days. I had a hard time getting him to put the book down. He enjoys reading but It's rare that he finds a book that engagedes his interest that much. As soon as he was finished he asked if he could have the next book in this series.
charming and exciting adventure for all ages September 22, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
I could NOT put this book down! I'm easily above its target age group, but the good reviews here and on Amazon prompted me to pick it up, and I'll be reading the sequel soon.
There are enough reviews that include a summary of the book, so I won't babble long about it. The basic gist of it is this: four children - Reynie, Sticky, Kate and Constance - work together to solve mysteries and fight evil. Each child has a special talent, one that might not be clear at first glance, but one that makes...more I could NOT put this book down! I'm easily above its target age group, but the good reviews here and on Goodreads prompted me to pick it up.
There are enough reviews that include a summary of the book, so I won't babble long about it. The basic gist of it is this: four children - Reynie, Sticky, Kate and Constance - work together to solve mysteries and fight evil. Each child has a special talent, one that might not be clear at first glance, but one that makes each child important and crucial to the mission. It's an adventure story about four very special children - a few of whom don't see themselves very special at all - who work together for the benefit of all.
This is the author's first novel, and I'm sure there will be more. Stewart has an easy-going style that fits well with this sort of book: it's an easy read, with cliffhangers that draw you in and make you regret having to put the book down for the night, and it's fun to see the children develop as characters through their adventures. Each has a path to follow, lessons to learn, a job to do, and their bravery, intelligence, problem-solving skills, and loyalty are all admirable traits for real children aspire to. Even though I'm much older than the characters, I found it fairly easy to relate to them. It reminded me of my own childhood (which wasn't THAT long ago! ;) ) and of the adventures I often wished I'd get to go on. Children will absolutely be able to find parts of themselves within each of the characters, and find themselves drawn in and trying to figure out the puzzle for themselves. I love stories that inspire kids to do their best and that show them that they're all special and have something to offer the world. I don't even have kids, but this is definitely one I'd want them to read.
I picked up the sequel today at work because I just couldn't resist, and found myself drawn in immediately. Can't wait to get a chance to read the rest!
Worth Every Penny September 18, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Most of us will lead ordinary lives and experience adventure vicariously through the stories of people with names like Harry Potter, Bella Swan, and Lyra Belacqua. With Stewart's wonderful book, you can add the names Reynie Muldoon, George "Sticky" Washington, Kate Weatherall, and Constance Contraire to that list. The story of four orphaned and unusually gifted children out to save the world, "The Mysterious Benedict Society" employs classic themes of young adult literature in ways that are far from exhausted and overdone.
I picked this book up on a whim and enjoyed every moment of it. I am impressed by authors who are capable of creating such imaginative plots and larger-than-life characters, and this novel certainly has both elements. Additionally, it would be an egregious miss on my part were I to neglect mentioning the wonderful illustrations by Carson Ellis throughout the book that really bring the story to life and make it even more charming. Add to that a few brain teasing puzzles and one twisted mystery and you have a successful book worthy of praise from readers of all ages. Some of the best books are the ones that come to you randomly.
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