my concern is that you have a group of lonely kids, longing for belonging who just too willingly go along with Mr. Benedict despite his consistant and on going deceptions. Mr. Benedict preys upon their vulnerabilities and capitolizes on the fact that these kids have no other adult to guide them. Rainy, the only child who does have a caring adult in his life is denied that healthy relationship. If you ask me the best lesson here for children is understanding how vulnerable people can be so easily taken advantage of by crazy people. I am reading this with my 9year old son and we are almost done, finally! I agree that the book is way too long and thankfully it is picking up the pace now that we at the end. Unless there is an absolutely terrific ending where the kids finally take control and find out the real intentions of Mr. Benedict then I won't be reading the rest.