After all that ranting about Maureen Johnson, I couldn't remember what other book I read this past week. But now, I do!
The Mysterious Benedict Society (Trenton Lee Stewart) has a really neat cover- lots to see and wonder about. The book begins with an intriguing notice posted in the paper that says: "ARE YOU A GIFTED CHILD LOOKING FOR SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES?" The notice requests that those children who feel they fit the bill should proceed to a certain building in Stonetown, where they are given a practically impossible test. From there the truly gifted children are weeded out and move forward in the special opporunities to embark on a mysterious adventure to save the world from evil under the tutelage of a man named Mr. Benedict.
This is a book that I couldn't put down. I loved everything about it from the cover, as I mention above, to the illustrations at the beginning of each chapter, to the endearing, unique characters. I would recommend this book to well-read upper elementary schoolers and 6th/7th graders. It has two main characters that are boys and two that are girls, as well as enough adventure to keep boys busy, so I think it would be a good fit for both boys and girls. Recommeded!
