The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey (by Trenton Lee Stewart)
common sense media says
Positive lessons, but more danger than 1st book.
parents & educators say
- 60% say there are positive role models
- 60% say there are positive messages
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.
Violence:
More 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.
Sex:
Not applicable.
Language:
Not applicable.
Consumerism:
Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Not applicable.
More on The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey
Review It
Based on 5 parent & educator reviews:
- 60% say there are positive role models
- 60% say there are positive messages
Most useful reviews by all members
George W. Carver
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
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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Tracy Talesnick
parent of 9 and 11 year old
parent of 9 and 11 year old
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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pokemonlover234
kid, 13 years old
kid, 13 years old
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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Rob79
parent of 12 year old
parent of 12 year old
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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DomHoward
adult
adult
great!
Love it not as good as first though!
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Reynie_and_Kate000
teen, 13 years old
teen, 13 years old
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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aynoomouse
parent of 18 year old
parent of 18 year old
perfect for anyone
in my opinion i think all the series are good:)
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imartinez
teen, 15 years old
teen, 15 years old
It is even better than the fist one.
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cinderash567
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
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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roxymmm
kid, 11 years old
kid, 11 years old
REALLY GOOD BOOK!!!!!!
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!! It was just as good as the first. It was a little more violent but not by much. It keeps you hanging after every chapter.
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ReillyGuy2
kid, 13 years old
kid, 13 years old
Fantastical Book!
Love how they figure out clues together!
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Safemancam001
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
Exciting Mystory for All ages
The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey is a very good book. It is an exciting mystory that all ages will enjoy.
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littlebean10
kid, 11 years old
kid, 11 years old
good
This one isn't as good as the other two, but I still love it. I am suprised that common sense didn't say any thing about Sticky's girlfriend.....it's not an issue, but they are usually way more strict than they need to be about that.
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reader1999
kid, 12 years old
kid, 12 years old
Fun but Dangerous
This book is super good. I am reading it right now but I did notice a lot of danger. In the first book it talks about danger, but it doesn't give specifics. In this one, the bad guys talk about pretty harsh punishment. If you or your child is mature enough, I totally recommend this!
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mysteriousbene ...
kid, 13 years old
kid, 13 years old
Not THAT violent...just...scary-fun. ;)
I looooove the second one. But it is kind of violent. Not like kill-anyone-violent though. Just normal. Just enough to make you jump. :D. I love the way Stewart makes you so nervous and shaky. It makes the book a real joy to know that they always find a way out.
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MarinaTheGreat
kid, 11 years old
kid, 11 years old
Best book ever
This is a great book! I like it the best of the whole series. Some parts put the kids in direct danger, that is half the fun!!
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