ARE YOU A GIFTED CHILD Looking for special opportunities? When this peculiar ad appears in the newspaper, dozens of children enroll to take a series of mysterious, mind-bending tests. (And you, dear listener, can test your wits right alongside them.) But in the end just four very special children will succeed. Their challenge: to go on a secret mission that only the most intelligent and resourceful children could complete. To accomplish it they will have to go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, ...
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ARE YOU A GIFTED CHILD Looking for special opportunities? When this peculiar ad appears in the newspaper, dozens of children enroll to take a series of mysterious, mind-bending tests. (And you, dear listener, can test your wits right alongside them.) But in the end just four very special children will succeed. Their challenge: to go on a secret mission that only the most intelligent and resourceful 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. As our heroes face physical and mental trials beyond their wildest imaginations, they have no choice but to turn to each other for support. But with their newfound friendship at stake, will they be able to pass the most important test of all? Welcome to the Mysterious Benedict Society. Del Roy's narration is inspired. His serious tone communicates his respect for the skills and talents of the youngsters in the story, as well as the listeners who are playing along.-- AudioFile
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I enjoyed the variety of characters that are the protagonists in this story. It shows the wide range of ways in which people can be gifted and is wonderfully free from stereotypes. The children have to work together, each contributing what he or she is good at and being patient with one another, in order to solve the problems that arise. This first book is probably my favorite of the series.
hsstudent
Feb 5, 2009
Fun Story
Similar in style to Series of Unfortunate Events, with interesting characters. Long for a kids' book, but worth the time.
nuella
Jul 13, 2008
How Come I Haven't Hear This Title Sooner?!
I read this book because it is part of a book discussion group coming up this fall and I am so glad I did. It has a few twists and turns in the beginning but really takes off after a few chapters. Reynie is hard not to like and Kate is amazing with all of her abilities and of course where would they be without Sticky? Lots of adventure in this one, reminds me slightly of The Silver Crown. Very enjoyable.
duckettreader
Mar 27, 2007
Next big thing?
Trenton Lee Stewart's first book, although a weighty tome, both physically and thematically, was zipped through by a 10 year old, a 9 year old and myself, a 30+year old, in less than two weeks. Stewart hooks his readers with awkward, yet sympathetic, protagonists who must confront a villain with a preposterous, but almost possible, plot. Guided by the mysterious Mr. Benedict, the four main characters, Reynie, Kate, Sticky, and Constance, must try to undermine the evil Mr. Curtain's attempt to take over the world by broadcasting subconscious propaganda. While the premise sounds ominous, the friendship that develops between the foursome takes center stage over the controversial use of media mind control. Plot twists, secret codes, and brain games make this book engaging, while the antics and comaraderie of the four plus some amusing foils keep the tone light. We're looking forward to the next book by Mr. Stewart and wondering if the Mysterious Benedict Society could outsell A Series of Unfortunate Events and perhaps even challenge Harry Potter if the word gets out.
