The Mysterious Benedict Society was on our list for months before it was available at the library, and it was worth the wait! Trenton Lee Stewart weaves a fantastic plot of mystery and discovery. Kids love reading about other children who outwit nasty grown-ups . . . and in this case, a small group of brainiac kids save the whole population from the evil plan of a plotting scientist.

When your kids are finished with the book, challenge them to apply any newly found super-sleuthing  skills to solve the mystery at the new community theater play WhoWhatWhenWhyHow!

The Book

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The Mysterious Benedict Society

Author: Trenton Lee Stewart

Illustrator: Carson Ellis

Recommended Age: Grades 5-9

Book Brief: “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 new found friendship at stake, will they be able to pass the most important test of all?
Welcome to the Mysterious Benedict Society.

About the Author: Trenton Lee Stewart, graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and author of the the adult novel Flood Summer, lives in Little Rock, Arkansas, with his wife and two sons. The idea for this, his debut children’s nove, first appeared in the form of a chess riddle, which he thought of on the way to a restaurant. Where it came from, he had no idea. But by the time he reached the restaurant he had decided it ought to go into a children’s novel. So began The Mysterious Benedict Society.

About the Illustrator: 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.

www.mysteriousbenedictsociety.com

The Blast

WhoWhatWhenWhyHow!

Location: Fountain Hills Community Theatre

Dates: October 9-25

Cost: Adult – $15; Child – $12 (17 & under)

Website to purchase tickets

In WhoWhatWhenWhyHow! famous sleuths gather in a spooky mansion to solve a mystery! Lots of laughs! A hoot of a who dunnit!

Fountain Hills Community Theater

Youth Theater -Fall Season 2009-2010

• Captain Preston
• WhoWhatWhenWhyHow?
• The Nutcracker
• Cinderella
• You Don’t Have to Take It!

Extra Tips for a Good Time!

• Check out www.mysteriousbenedictsociety.com its a great site with a lot of fun activities to extend the adventure!
• Buy your tickets early and plan ahead for an excellent incentive to read the book.
• If your child is interested in theater, this is a great choice! See the website for information on auditioning and volunteering . . . they could really get involved!
• View the website for Youth Workshops in Acting, Dancing, and Voice.