Trenton Lee Stewart is the author of the New York Times bestselling Mysterious Benedict Society series as well as Flood Summer, a novel for adults. He lives in Arkansas with his wife and two sons.Carson Ellis received her BFA from the University of Montana and has established a loyal following for her artistic collaborations with the band the Decemberists. She lives in Portland, Oregon.
"Begins with a bang... resembles the otherwordly experience of
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."--Publishers Weekly, starred
review
"Dashes of mild humor and introspection rest on a solid base of
suspense, mystery, and well-rounded characters, making this a
satisfying dish for readers of varying tastes."--The Bulletin,
starred review
"Do not miss this one. Buy two copies because they will be
needed."--VOYA
"Fans of Roald Dahl or Blue Balliett will find a familiar blend of
kid power, clues, and adventure."--School Library Journal, starred
review
"Great cast of characters, lots of cool puzzles and mysteries. This
book reminded me of some of the better children's books I grew up
with, like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Phantom
Tollbooth."--Rick Riordan
"Real flashlight under the bedclothes material... this story flies
past, thrilling us as it goes."--Horn Book
"Tackles personal concerns: abandonment, family, loyalty, and
facing one's fears."--Booklist, starred review
Stewart's (Flood Summer, for adults) first book for young people begins with a bang. Gifted 11-year-old orphan Reynie Muldoon is sharing the newspaper with his tutor when she excitedly points out an ad: "Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?" She encourages him to take the series of tests cited in the ad, and the entire process resembles the otherworldly experience of Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, with puzzles within puzzles and tests within tests-some mental, some ethical, some physical. Ultimately three children pass the first test and go on to the next: Reynie, Sticky (born George) Washington and Kate Wetherall-all of them essentially orphans. A fourth, the "very, very small" Constance Contraire, joins them later, and Mr. Benedict describes why he has brought them together. Initially, readers-like the four children-may be unsure of what to think about this mysterious gent: Is he hero or villain? Mr. Benedict has recruited them to foil an evil plan, devised by a mysterious "Sender," to brainwash the population via secret messages-delivered by children-embedded in television and radio programs. The plot-driven novel follows many adventures among the four, whose unique talents all come into play; readers will likely warm to each of them. A couple of concluding twists involving Kate and Connie may throw readers a bit, but these do not detract from the book's entertainment value or from the author's sound overall structure. Though the book is lengthy, readers will likely enjoy getting lost in this fully imagined realm. Ages 8-12. (Mar.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
"Begins with a bang... resembles the otherwordly experience of
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."--Publishers Weekly,
starred review
"Dashes of mild humor and introspection rest on a solid base of
suspense, mystery, and well-rounded characters, making this a
satisfying dish for readers of varying tastes."--The Bulletin,
starred review
"Do not miss this one. Buy two copies because they will be
needed."--VOYA
"Fans of Roald Dahl or Blue Balliett will find a familiar blend of
kid power, clues, and adventure."--School Library Journal, starred
review
"Great cast of characters, lots of cool puzzles and mysteries. This
book reminded me of some of the better children's books I grew up
with, like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The
Phantom Tollbooth."--Rick Riordan
"Real flashlight under the bedclothes material... this story flies
past, thrilling us as it goes."--Horn Book
"Tackles personal concerns: abandonment, family, loyalty, and
facing one's fears."--Booklist, starred review
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