If you’re looking for a series that packs an adventurous punch and appeals to both boys and girls, check out the bestselling series The Mysterious Benedict Society by award-winning author Trenton Lee Stewart.
“Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?”
The newspaper ad draws the attention of numerous children, but only four of them—Reynie Muldoon, Sticky Washington, Kate Wetherall, and Constance Contraire—pass the required test of wits. Soon the children find themselves in the company of the mysterious and brilliant Mr. Nicholas Benedict, and when they agree to take on a dangerous mission, they name themselves (of course!) the Mysterious Benedict Society.
Throughout the series, the quartet of intrepid preteens must combine their unique and unusual gifts to beat the bad guys. But where will their missions lead them?
Take our free Mysterious Benedict Society Checklist to your local library!
Trenton Lee Stewart is an American author of fiction for children and adults. This series for children is an adventure-filled trio, each book a thick novel that keeps readers turning pages in anticipation of what will happen next for Stewart’s four precocious heroes.
Stewart’s series offers something for everyone. Upper elementary and middle school students will enjoy reading these books independently, but Stewart’s adventures also make fantastic read-aloud material for lower elementary and up—including mom and dad. Because some of the themes and situations may be too intense for some children, you may want to preview the books before using them with younger, more sensitive children. In fact, it’s always a good idea to ensure that your children’s reading material is appropriate for their age and maturity level.
Children who love riddles will enjoy playing along with the books’ heroes, trying to solve puzzles with the team. Technology lovers will wish they could create Mr. Curtain’s inventions, and more sophisticated readers will happily hunt for the word play that Stewart has sprinkled throughout the series (for example, Constance’s last name is Contraire, hinting at her propensity toward stubbornness). The topics and themes of Stewart’s novels offer many opportunities for further discussion.
The characters and capers in The Mysterious Benedict Society will stick with readers long after the books are finished. Don’t be surprised if you hear your child refer to the stories in everyday life, saying things like, “Mom, I have a memory as good as Sticky Washington!” or “She’s as stubborn as Constance Contraire!”
In the series opener, The Mysterious Benedict Society, your child will meet Nicholas Benedict and his crew of new recruits. From the moment Mr. Benedict enlists the help of the newly formed Mysterious Benedict Society, the excitement begins. There are many surprises along the way as the children head off to L.I.V.E. (Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened) to stop the evil Mr. Curtain from taking over the world.
The second book, The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey, takes readers on a global scavenger hunt. The game was supposed to be a happy reunion for the Mysterious Benedict Society, but when they discover that Mr. Curtain has captured Mr. Benedict and his assistant, the hunt becomes a lifesaving mission. Once again the four kids must put their unique talents and teamwork to the test to save their friend.
The third book, The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner’s Dilemma, concludes the children’s capers. In the series finale, the kids and Mr. Benedict face off against Mr. Curtain and his henchmen one last time. The crafty Mr. Curtain finds a way to disturb the rhythm of the team’s life, and while things are in upheaval, he strikes. What happens next will keep readers anxiously turning pages right to the very end!
Author: Trenton Lee Stewart
Genre: young adult fiction
Interests: mystery, suspense, adventure, riddles, saving the world
Suggested age range: 10 and up
Gender preference: girls and boys
In the series: 3 books, 400+ pages each
Do your kids need a little extra encouragement to read? Take our Mysterious Benedict Society checklist to your local library and have your child check off books as he reads them!
Looking for more great chapter books? We’ve got you covered!
Emily
says:My son (previously not an eager reader) recently read this series and totally loved them!! Question – what are other series/books that are similar to these? I’m on the lookout! He’s currently reading Percy Jackson, but my personal opinion is that Mysterious Benedict series is more well written……
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceEmily,
I’m happy to hear your son enjoyed this series so much!
How similar are you looking for? We have a number of chapter book reviews that we think are great books. The author of The Mysterious Benedict Society has another children’s book not in the series, The Secret Keepers. I haven’t read it, but if your son enjoys this author he’ll likely enjoy this new book too. If you are looking mysteries then look at Encyclopedia Brown or A to Z Mysteries.
I hope you find something you both can love.
Jennifer C.
says:Thanks for the suggestion! We’re always on the lookout for new-to-us titles. We’ll hit up our library later today!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceI hope you enjoy it, Jennifer!
Hannah
says:Can I ask where to get a softcopy of this books?
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceHannah,
I was able to find paperback versions of these books on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christian Book Distributors, Thrift Books, and more places online. Since they are so readily available, your local bookstore that sells new books should be able to order them in for you if they do not have them on their shelves.
Andria
says:Id love to win this:) and I would really like to look into getting A-Z mysteries for my 3 rd grader !
Amie Clayton
says:These books are so fun! I loved reading them with 4 of my 6 children! It’s time to introduce these books to the rest of my children. :)
Sarah M.
says:Thanks for the recommendation! It’s always hard for me to know which books are really GOOD and which are just fluff.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceExactly, Sarah! We are happy to help you find the good!
Michelle Liotsakis
says:My 11 year old went wild for this series. He is an avid reader and will read anything that has to do with mysteries or odd ideas. When I taught in public school I used to the read the series to my 5th graders. Love this series! You can purchase it or find it in the library!
Melissa
says:Will look this up at the library!
Julie
says:Definitely going to check this out for my daughter!
Marilyn Fuqua
says:My grand daughter is an avid reader, she will read most anything she can get her hands on and they go to the library on a regular basis. Great info! Thanks.
Heidi
says:Recently read the first Mysterious Benedict myself. The kids aren’t quite old enough yet, but I LOVED it!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceHeidi,
The great test of a children’s book is how well it is loved by children AND adults! Thanks for the review.
Chris
says:My daughter is going to love this. We’ll be checking it out at the library tomorrow :)
Kelly
says:Love these books!
stephanie
says:Sounds great, I am putting the first book on hold at our local library today!😊
Sheila
says:Thank you for the recommendation! Always looking for enticing books!
Leslie keene
says:Can’t wait to get these for my daughter. Thanks for sharing.
Angel
says:I have a friend who has been raving about these.
Melissa
says:Sounds like a good series to try!
Jessica Medina
says:This sounds so interesting! Something my kids would love!
Misty
says:I believe my children would enjoy this series.
a
says:Checked these out of the library for my children…and read them myself!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceThat is a great recommendation for a children’s book!
“A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest.” ― C.S. Lewis
lisa hays
says:This sounds like something my son would enjoy!
Athena
says:I adore all of the learning press products!