The Mysterious Benedict Society
#1 of 4 in The Mysterious Benedict Society Series
on Goodreads (267)
What’s inside...
Four gifted orphans are recruited by an eccentric benefactor to go on a secret mission. Placed undercover at a boarding school known as The Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, the children must foil a nefarious plot with global ramifications, while creating a new sort of family along the way. A stunning paperback gift set of the New York Times bestselling Mysterious Benedict Society books, including The Riddle of Ages! Catch up on the adventures of the Mysterious Benedict Society with this paperback boxed set, which includes the three original books in the New York Times bestselling series, The Mysterious Benedict Society, The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey, The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma, as well as the prequel, The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict, and the all-new The Riddle of Ages.
Character compass
Reynie Muldoon
Constance Contraire
Kate Wetherall
George 'sticky' Washington
Number Two
Rhonda Kazembe
Milligan
Ms. Perumal
Nicholas Benedict
Ledroptha Curtain
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make someone a good team member, like the characters in the book?
How do the children in the story show bravery and intelligence?
What would you do if you were faced with a challenge like the one in the book?
How do the characters change from the beginning to the end of the story, and what causes these changes?
What did the story teach you about friendship and working together?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts about the story and its characters to create an open dialogue.
Encourage your child to express their opinions about the story, even if they differ from yours, to foster independent thinking.
Ask your child to relate situations in the book to their own experiences, linking the story themes to real life.
Discuss the challenges faced by the characters and ask your child how they might handle similar situations.
Highlight the problem-solving and teamwork aspects of the story, discussing how these skills are valuable in everyday life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Mysterious Benedict Society,' the characters must collaborate and use their unique strengths to solve puzzles and overcome challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value diverse skills and perspectives, fostering cooperative behavior in group projects at school or in sports.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonists face complex problems that require them to think critically and devise strategic solutions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think logically and creatively when faced with their own challenges, be it in academic tasks or personal dilemmas.
Example Lesson: Courage and resilience
Explanation: The young characters often find themselves in intimidating situations but face their fears to achieve their goals.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to tackle their fears and understand that facing challenges is crucial for growth and achieving success.
Example Lesson: The value of honesty
Explanation: Trust and truth play significant roles in 'The Mysterious Benedict Society,' showing how honesty strengthens relationships.
Real-World Application: This can help children grasp the importance of being truthful in their interactions and the impact it has on forming trustful relationships.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding others
Explanation: Characters in the book often have to understand and empathize with each other’s backgrounds and feelings to work together effectively.
Real-World Application: Promotes emotional intelligence in children, teaching them to be considerate of others' emotions and perspectives in their daily interactions.