The Mysterious Benedict Society

This series came as a recommendation from my sister, and I almost always follow her recommendations. I bought the series for my children to read, and my 2nd oldest read them first, and then my oldest read them next. They loved the books, and they were excited when Disney+ started to come out with video installments of book one. We watched the first two right after they came out, and we were eager to watch the rest as the came out. At the end of watching these first two, my second oldest, Jonathan, came up to me with book one and said, "Here you go Dad" with the expectation that I would read it. It was fun to have the bond over the Harry Potter series with my older two kids, so I decided I would read this series too.

Now, onto my review.

I have no complaints and only delights with this first book. One particular delight is that this series capitalizes upon the feelings and unique abilities of gifted children. What's more, these gifted children are what is called "Twice Exceptional" which can be abbreviated "2e" (see Wikipedia article). Perhaps some would debate my considering them 2e, but I think it is worth considering. Gifted children often have deep struggles with how they relate to the society around them, and they often do not understand why. This can go even deeper for 2e children. That is why this book serious brings such delight because here is a book series who seems to keenly understand this.

As to the particular plot of this first book, Stewart does a good job drawing you into the fairly quickly; however, I wonder how broad the appeal would be because of the oddities that appeal to gifted children within the plot. That's not a bad thing, I'm just curious about it. Another beautiful part of this first book is how the children, although intensely gifted, discover their significant limitations, and how they must rely, like the Harry Potter series, on the community of their friends - even when they are not get along with their friends. Lessons of trust, facing your fears, following instructions, etc. abound throughout the book.

I won't say too much so I don't give any spoilers, but I will say this: The children start with deep loss, and they end with great gain.