#3 in The Mysterious Benedict Society Series
The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Riddle of Ages
on Goodreads (7,788)
What’s inside...
After a surprise reunion with their old friend Mr. Benedict, the Society faces a new crisis: a powerful weapon capable of affecting people's minds has fallen into the wrong hands. The team must embark on a global journey to reclaim the weapon and save the world.
Character compass
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make a good team member, as shown by the characters in the book?
How do the characters handle challenges or setbacks in their adventure?
What did you learn about trust and friendship from the events in the story?
If you were a part of The Mysterious Benedict Society, what role would you choose and why?
How do you think the characters have grown or changed by the end of the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by sharing your own reflections on the book’s themes first. Ask open-ended questions to delve deeper into their understanding and feelings about the story. Relate aspects of the book to real-life scenarios to help your child draw parallels and learn from the characters' experiences. Celebrate their responses and insights, as this reinforces their confidence in expressing their interpretations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Riddle of Ages,' the protagonists work together to solve complex puzzles and face challenges, demonstrating how teamwork can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate and value each other's contributions.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of difficulties
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters encounter numerous obstacles but continue to strive towards their goals, embodying persistence.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of persistence in completing their schoolwork, tackling new skills, or dealing with personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: The young heroes often rely on their critical thinking skills to decipher clues and outsmart adversaries.
Real-World Application: Kids can use critical thinking to solve everyday problems and make thoughtful decisions about their actions and friendships.
Example Lesson: Valuing diversity and unique abilities
Explanation: Each member of the Benedict Society has unique skills that contribute to the group's achievements, illustrating the strength in diversity.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate their own unique talents and those of others around them, promoting inclusivity and self-esteem.
Example Lesson: The significance of integrity and honesty
Explanation: Characters in the story often face moral dilemmas, and those who choose honesty are ultimately rewarded, reinforcing the importance of being truthful.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value honesty in their interactions and understand that integrity builds trust in relationships and is rewarded in real life.