I have three words for you: Mysterious Benedict Society. If I made a list of my top ten read-alouds, this would be on it. We listened to the audio book recently, and although we’d read the book to my older kids before, it was fun to see my six-year-old experience the story for the first time.
The Mysterious Benedict Society is the story of four unusually gifted kids brought together by benevolent genius Mr. Benedict to save the world. Each child’s gifts are unique and essential to the mission. The story is full of puzzles, mystery ,danger, adventure, and friendship. Here’s what I love about it.
- Friendship–Being a true friend is a huge theme in The Mysterious Benedict Society with lots of great examples, both kids and adults. And, in fact, these kids need each other, even Kate, who at first believes she can handle the mission alone.
- Mind-benders–So, maybe I was a nerdy kid, but I love that the heroes of this book are highly intelligent kids (two are gifted in this way and two are gifted in other ways). In addition, your kids will be trying to puzzle out solutions right along with Reynie Muldoon. In fact, there’s even a puzzle book to go along with this series.
- Tough Choices–Reynie and his friends are faced with more than one moral dilemma as they work to stop Mr. Curtain’s nefarious plot. And I think this is a good thing. Not every choice our kids are faced with is black and white, and it’s good for them to have to wrestle with these kinds of decisions alongside a fictional character.
- Lots to Discuss–Speaking of tough choices, one of the reasons this book makes such a great read-aloud is that it’s packed full of themes and situations that can spark great family discussions!
There is some danger and a few intense scenes in the book (and the subsequent books grow in intensity), so it may not be great for younger or sensitive kids. Also, for adoptive parents, two of the children are orphans (but find homes in the end), so if that is a trigger issue for your child, please be aware.
And don’t be surprised when you child wants to play chess, learn Morse code, or form their own Mysterious Benedict Society.
Also, since it’s been a while since Trenton Lee Stewart’s last book, I was very excited to learn he has a new book coming out in the fall of 2016 titled, The Secret Keepers.
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What books would make your top ten favorite read-alouds list?
I am so glad for this post! I bought this book (the first) on a whim at a garage sale. It’s clearly been through the ringer (but that usually means a well-loved book, right?) because of it’s beautiful cover. I thought because of the thickness of the book, the tiny type, etc. that this would be a book my kids might enjoy *years* from now….so once we finish up our current read aloud (the very LAST Laura Ingalls book!), I’m going to pick this up. I know my kids will love it. Is it tiring to read aloud? Is the audio better?
Thanks!
It’s so serendipitous when you already own a recommended book! And how bittersweet to be finishing the Little House series!
My husband did the read aloud for this one (after I had read and loved it), but I don’t think it would be tiring to read aloud. We did the audio this time around, and honestly, it wasn’t that great. I’m spoiled from listening to narrators who do all the voices, and this was a plain reading. It was still fine, but it could have been much better.
Hadn’t heard of this one. Thanks!
I’ll pick a favorite that may be lesser known: The Princess and Curdie by George MacDonald (so so good!)
George MacDonald is wonderful! My favorite of his is At the Back of the North Wind. 🙂
As a read aloud to kids or for adults?
At the Back of the North Wind? To kids (but I first read it in college and loved it)!
We love these books!
Have great memories of reading aloud the: Melody family series – Elizabeth Enright, Redwall books – Brian Jacques, Ranger’s Apprentice – Brian Flanagan, Penderwicks, getting you started 😉
Thanks for the great suggestions, Erin! 🙂
I’ve never heard of these, but they’re going on my library list! We love to read the Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and Little House series. Right now we’re reading Peter Pan, and the kids are having so much fun notebooking thorugh it. Visiting from Literacy Musing Mondays!
Glad to introduce you to a new series! I’d love to hear what you have your kids do to “notebook” through a read aloud…