The Mysterious Benedict Society
VERDICT: Recommended
Concern Level: Low
Christian Parent Review
Concern LevelLow
Concerning & Potentially Concerning Content
The kids spend most of the book undercover and therefore much of what they say and do is, at its root, deceptive. This is always in the name of fighting evil and feels ‘necessary’. This could lead to some great discussion with your children. In a short scene, a Zodiac signs is used to give a clue. There are also a few mentions of luck. This book does a good job of staying ‘light’ when dealing with perilous situations. One example that steps outside of this, and is out of character with the rest of the book, comes when one character is swimming at night, mistakenly believes she sees a shark and wonders if “it would be the shark’s bite that killed her or if instead she would be snatched away, deep down, to drown in bloody darkness”.
VerdictRecommended
Our Thoughts
This is a long book and we wondered up front, knowing very little about the series what we were getting into at the start of reading this one. Thus, we were very pleasantly surprised to find that it is an almost completely clear read from start to finish. This is a captivating and mysterious book that starts off in a clever way that draws a reader in and captures their attention right away. A good parallel to us when wondering if your child will enjoy this book is the “Series of Unfortunate Events” books (see our review of the first title in that series). It may be helpful to think of these as ‘intellectual mystery books’. Mysterious Benedict Society books are much longer, but actually even easier to recommend than that series. This title is full of a ton of ‘good’ characters, which is so refreshing. Especially if you are willing to be intentional and use this to discuss whether it is ever ok to lie with your children, this is one we can very easily Recommend.
Plot SummaryNote: This information is typically from the publisher.Use with caution
"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 reader, 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?
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Other Reviews for this Book
Redeemed Reader
This review for the series that, at least the start of it, is helpful. Doesn’t indicate anything in the first few books to worry about. On an interesting note about the site, see comments stemming from a reader asking additional information.
Read ReviewPlugged In
Short overview focused on this first title.
Read ReviewGood Books for Catholic Kids
We were very pleasantly surprised by this review from a catholic source. Great job reminding parents that even in a clean and solid story there are things to bring up and talk to your kids about. Here, this book opens the door for discussions about lying, even when you have a “good reason”.
Read ReviewScripture Reflection
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.
— James 4:7-8
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