Another recommendation from a book list posted through Barnes & Noble. This book has been receiving excellent reviews. They even have a website called the Curious Chronicle: http://www.hachettebookgroupusa.com/features/mysteriousbenedict/content/index.asp
When I started reading this, I was reminded of Harry Potter (book 1) without the magic. Reynie is an orphan who answers an ad in the newspaper about opportunities for gifted children. He along with three other "orphaned" children pass a series of very unusual tests which leads them to the "Society". Their mission? Foil the plans of one evil "Mr. Curtain" and his plans to rule the world! These children don't have magic, they use their minds and ingenuity to infiltrate to ranks of Mr. Curtain's inner circle. Do they succeed? No spoilers allowed in book reviews.
Though I found the pacing of this book rather slow (it's a long 500 pages) the characters are interesting and the book presents positive messages regarding the media, and perseverence in friendship. And I just recently found out that the society has embarked on another adventure, "The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey" was just recently released.
This book can be used as a read-aloud though I would edit some of the long descriptors for younger children. This novel is recommended for Grade 5-9.
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