 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
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 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
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The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey
- By Trenton Lee Stewart
- Genre: Mystery
Common Sense Media says
Positive lessons, but more danger than 1st book.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
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 now joined by the Ten Men, goons who 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 this time 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.
What's the story?
Mr. Benedict's evil twin, Mr. Curtain -- who was 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 that Mr. Benedict booked for their passage to Portugal. As they pick up more clues and continue their journey, 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.
Is it any good?
You can say the same thing about the second installment of the Mysterious Benedict Society as you could about the first: It doesn't need to be 450 pages long. But once again, the author's indulgence is forgiven by the time you get to the last 100 of them -- 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 new ones, too. Kate, with her falcon training and superior dexterity, is a spy in the making like her father Milligan, and they have 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.
What families can talk about
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 shows and 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?
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AGE
Enjoyable read!
My 9 year old son and I read this together and thoroughly enjoyed the ingenuity of the children and the pace of the drama near the conclusion. It has great vocabulary and enticing characters that complement one another at each new challenge.
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AGE
This book has the most mind throbbing puzzles which make your children so into the book that I bet you that the only way you could get them away from it was if you lure them away with grandma's homemade chocolate chip cookies! The message of the book is a little hard to understand for the younger children but parents will understand. The characters in the book are as facinating as ever! Especially constance that has the funniest comments EVER! I especially love how Reyine can solve all thoes puzzles. Im pretty good at puzzles mystlf but Reyine is outstanding! Sticky will also be a good model for your children. It would really persuade them to do good in school as it did for me. If you read the book, you might feel uneasy about letting your children meet Kate, but im telling you, no worries. If you didnt let your children meet Kate then I dont know what your thinking! Kate is wonderful and does the best to protect friends. She cares a lot about the people she loves and what do you think about that? Oh, last message ... READ THE BOOK!!!
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AGE
Great Book! Awesome Sequel!
This was an awesome, gripping sequel, though the danger is more intense here. The biggest danger mainly circles areound the "Ten Men" because they have ten ways of hurting you. The thought of that was a little foreboding. Various encounters with the Ten Men are such as a whip that can chip walls, and a laser pointer that can slice through anything. One character is threatened with the laser pointer, which is a scary situation. But it all ends well. I liked this book a lot. Its a great sequel!
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AGE
Fantastical Book!
Love how they figure out clues together!
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AGE
perfect for anyone
in my opinion i think all the series are good:)
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AGE
The Book Really Pulled Me In!
This book is an amazing sequel to "The Mysterious Benedict Society" and I can't wait to read the next book. The violence is mild.
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AGE
More action in book 2
My daughter and I read both books together and enjoyed them very much. The children are resourceful and entertaining, although the premise has some obvious holes. There is more danger and action this time around, but that makes for a more engaging storyline. Nothing to worry about in this book and much to enjoy.
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AGE
Better than book 1 by far.
Personally, I love this book. It's the thrilling sequel to The Mysterious Benedict Society and if this concerns you, yes, it does have some violence. But don't most good books? If you had to choose between a book and The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey, I'd pick the Benedict Society.
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| Author: | Trenton Lee Stewart |
| Illustrator: | Diana Sudyka |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Mystery |
| Publisher: | Little, Brown and Company |
| Publication date: | May 1, 2008 |
| Number of pages: | 448 |
| Hardcover price: | $16.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 8 - 12 |
| Read aloud: | 8 |
| Read alone: | 9 |
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