Sunday, April 25, 2010

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart


"Are you a GIFTED CHILD looking for special opportunities?" Then you must read this book! Hooray for Trenton Lee Stewart! The Mysterious Benedict society is a masterpiece in the realm of children's literature. Geared for children between the ages of nine and twelve, this adventure will challenge children with its delicious vocabulary and fast paced plot. Perhaps my great appreciation for the book lies in Stewart's ability to write a fantastical piece that still applies to the realities of today. As a biased lover of children's books it wouldn't surprise you for me to say I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I've already begun the next. However, I was surprised at the depth of Stewart's underlying themes and have been personally challenged and affected as well!

Here's the breakdown: Four "gifted" children are selected after undergoing a series of difficult tests for a dangerous mission that only they can solve. As in all suspenseful stories, the entire world is in danger and their very lives and newfound friendship is at stake. I'll leave the ending a mystery for you to discover as you read.

For those of you with advanced readers, you often email me asking for book options that will challenge your child while still protecting them from subject matter that might not be appropriate for their age. If your child is reading at the fourth or fifth grade level but is actually younger, feel safe that the only love in this book is among friends and family. There is a definite villain or antagonist, however much of the conflict in this story lies within the characters themselves. Some themes include:
1.Are you trusting in a version of happiness that is mere illusion?
2. Are you the sort of person who will do anything to hear what you want to believe?
3. Fears only truly diappear when you are brave enough to confront them.
4. Within us all lies bravery. It only has to be drawn out.
5. Fear leads to a loss of control.
6. We are driven by a strong desire to belong.

Those of you who have children who like to read books in a series will be happy to know that two more books follow. TMBS and the Perilous Journey and TMBS and the Prisoner's Dilemma. And there's more good news! The website developed for this series (www.mysteriousbenedictsociety.com) is perhaps the best book site I've ever visited. With games, logic challenges, author info, FAMILY READING GUIDES, and more...what more do you need to hear? The cherry on top-brand new, this 512 page book is only $6.99 in paperback form.

I have much more to discuss about this book and lesson ideas to share! Check back soon, Friends!

I love it when a book draws you in and takes you on an adventure! For those of you longing for an adventure, pick up a book and read! The more you fall in love with it, your children will too!

In the words of Mr. Benedict, "May your adventures bring you closer together, even as they take you far from home." Share your adventures with us, friends!

Happy reading.

1 comment:

  1. Thanks for recommending this book, Sandra! I read it before handing it off to my older daughter--and I was so hooked that I read the other books in the series too! Miss B and I are having fun discussing this one, and I look forward to talking with her about the other books in the series.

    I'm really enjoying your blog, BTW. Thanks for your great ideas and suggestions!

    ReplyDelete