Ratings

Content Ratings based on a 0-5 scale where
0 = no objectionable content and
5 = an excessive or disturbing level of content

Guide to Rating System

LANGUAGE

VIOLENCE

SEXUAL CONTENT

ADULT THEMES

Ratings Explanation

Violence: Two men try to kidnap the main characters in the book, but Milligan, a quasi-body guard, shoots the men with tranquilizer darts. Several children engage in a fight, including kicking, hitting, and shoving. Once again Milligan shoots some of the children with tranquilizer darts.

Adult Themes: All of the children in the book are alone, some are orphaned and some have been abandoned. The antagonist in the story uses these children in his diabolical plot to take over the world. One of the children in the story lies and falsely accuses another child of making him cheat in school.

Synopsis

Reynie Muldoon, an 11-year old orphan, responds to an unusual ad in the newspaper addressed to  “gifted children looking for special opportunities.” He and 3 other children complete and pass a series of non-traditional tests that qualify them for a secret and dangerous mission. Together the 4 bright and resourceful children constitute the Mysterious Benedict Society and are tasked with bringing down the evil Mr. Curtain and thwarting his plan to take over the world. Each member of the society has unique  talents that are essential to the success of their plan, but learning to rely on each other and working together to accomplish their assignment is not as easy as it seems.

After an enthusiastic recommendation from my 12-year old daughter, I tackled this nearly 500 page book. Overall I quite liked it, although the length may discourage some young readers. A fun story of kids outsmarting the evil adult, it reminded me of Chasing Vermeer, by Blue Balliett. The book also brings up some meaty discussion points like messages in the media, abandonment, loneliness, and putting yourself at risk for the benefit of others.