The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey
Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that they'll find more violence in this second book in the Mysterious Benedict Society series, though the book's humor works to offset the impact of some of the more perilous parts. The less intimidating teen Executives from the first book are joined by the Ten Men, goons than look like businessmen with briefcases full of weapons that look like everyday office supplies (pencils are darts and a calculator is used as a bomb in one scene). The four genius kids are in even more danger and are captured and threatened by their enemies. Kate is often worried that her father, a spy, is in grave danger. She also practices a Houdini trick where she swallows a key so she can cough it up at will. On the plus side, there are lots of positive lessons, including one Kate learns about not using violence just because her enemies do.
Families can talk about the lessons the kids learn on their journey. How do you think Kate's father Milligan influenced her decision to not use violence? How often do you find that kind of nonviolent message in the books you read or the TV or movies you watch? Has Reynie's opinion of people changed? Have you ever thought the way he did? What did Constance and Sticky learn about themselves? How did Mr. Benedict help Constance be more confident with her gifts?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Carrie R. Wheadon
You can easily say the same thing about this second installment of the Mysterious Benedict Society: It doesn't need to be 450 pages. But once again the author's indulgence is forgiven by the time you get to the last 100 -- the ending is action-packed. And the peril is at the hands of some pretty entertaining villains.
Readers also can't help but love Constance, Reynie, Sticky, and Kate. Constance and her moods are still hilarious, and here she further advances her gifts -- and develops some surprising ones, too. Kate, with her falcon-training and superior dexterity, is a spy in the making, like her father Milligan, and they have such a sweet father-daughter rapport. Reynie's conscience and quick problem-solving work overtime, and Sticky finds courage and strength he never knew he had. These are wonderful characters you'll want your kids spending hours with, even if they won't be truly riveted until the last act.
Plot Summary:
Mr. Benedict's evil twin, Mr. Curtain, on the run at the end of The Mysterious Benedict Society, has regrouped, recruited business suit-wearing goons called the Ten Men, and even kidnapped Mr. Benedict on the eve of a big surprise trip he has planned for his special child protégés: Constance, Reynie, Sticky, and Kate, aka The Mysterious Benedict Society. Immediately the foursome decides to take action, abandoning their caregivers, following the clues, and hopping on the ship Mr. Benedict booked for their passage to Portugal. Crossing through Europe and picking up more clues, they soon realize that the Ten Men are hot on their trail -- one that leads to Mr. Benedict, an elusive plant with astounding properties, and, unfortunately, directly into the hands of the nefarious Mr. Curtain once again.
Related Books:
First in the Series:
The Mysterious Benedict Society
More Melodramatic Mysteries:
The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken
Cousins in the Castle by Barbara Brooks Wallace
The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket
Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett
The Name of this Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
Related Web Sites:
Official Site
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ViolenceMore fighting than the first, mostly among adults. The four kids are tied up and threatened often. The Ten Men -- goons disguised as businessmen -- use dangerous weapons that look like ordinary office supplies while the good guys never use more than tranquilizers and their fists. Mr. Benedict has reoccurring nightmares that a hag stands over him while he's sleeping. |
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Social BehaviorTwice Kate has the power to harm those who harmed her friends, takes control of her anger, and decides violence isn't the answer; she has a good role model in her father, a spy who will only use tranquilizer darts as weapons against his enemies. The uber-intelligent foursome disregards rules of their caretakers and abandons them for their mission, but only in order to come to the aid of their friends. All the kids have a strong sense of right from wrong and a fierce loyalty to their friends. |
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