The Mysterious Benedict Society unleashed something in my imagination. Maybe it was the endearing qualities of the teachers and adults in the book and the way the children looked up to them. Maybe it was seeing life so clearly from a child's point of view (adventure first, everything else second!). Maybe it was a connection with these children who were rewarded for 'thinking outside the box'. I'm not sure, but this is one of my favorites!

Written for an intermediate reader, children much earlier in their reading career would enjoy this as a read aloud. It's complex - with many characters to keep track of - but there are few sub-plots so with some talking through, even emerging and fluent readers can enjoy this story.

There are some parts that might frighten young children, such as children being in a prison-like setting including solitary confinement. And, stories about absent parents and children being on their own. However, the overarching feeling of this book is triumph, strength, good vs. evil, independence and adventure. Do give it a read (and it's part 1 of a trilogy!).

IRL: 6.3