FOR KIDS WHO LOVE A CHALLENGE...

Recently, two really great kids (thank you Tati and John) independently recommended a book series to me.  So I took their advice and started reading!   This series involves four smart kids who've been enlisted by a kind genius (Mr. Benedict) to go on a mission and outsmart an evil mastermind (Mr. Curtain) who wants to take over the world.

Let me introduce you to The Mysterious Benedict Society, and a world full of adventures, mysteries and puzzles. Parents will be happy that these books are as much about friendship and family as they are about adventure.

Calling all kids, ages 11-14:  If you're intelligent, creative, or happen to know Morse Code, the Society could probably use your help (but don't worry - if you don't know Morse Code, you'll learn it in this book!)

What would you do if you saw this peculiar ad in your local newspaper...

"ARE YOU A GIFTED CHILD looking for special opportunities?"

In Trenton Lee Stewart's book, dozens of children enroll to take a series of mysterious, mind-bending tests.  But in the end only four very special children — two boys and two girls —  succeed. Their challenge: to go on a secret mission that only the most intelligent and resourceful children could complete. To accomplish this they will have to go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened (otherwise known as L.I.V.E. - EVIL, spelled backwards!), where the only rule is that "THERE ARE NO RULES".

But what the children - Reynie, Kate, Sticky, and Constance - find in the hidden underground tunnels of the school is more than paper, books and pencils. As the four brave heroes face physical and mental trials beyond their wildest imaginations, they have no choice but to look to each other for support -- and answers.

Visit The Mysterious Benedict Society website here.
The Mysterious Benedict Society, first published in 2007, is the first in a series that also includes The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey, The Mysterious Benedict Society and The Prisoner's Dilemma, The Mysterious Benedict Society: Mr. Benedict's Book of Perplexing Puzzles, Elusive Enigmas and Curious Conundrums and the recently published The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict.

A SPOILED PRINCE AND A BRAVE, ORPHANED RAT CATCHER

Our family's first introduction to Sid Fleischman's The Whipping Boy, an adventure tale set in the 18th Century, was the well-done 1994 televison adaptation, Prince Brat and the Whipping Boy, starring George C. Scott.  One reason it translated so well to television, is that Fleischman also wrote the screenplay. You can find this enjoyable family movie at Amazon on VHS (click HERE to watch the trailer).

Your kids will love the book - it has a non-stop-action plot and interesting characters that make it a great read aloud.  No wonder it was a 1987 Newberry Medal winner!  It's part Prince and the Pauper with some Princess Bride-style humor, and the survival instincts of Aladdin thrown in. (ages 8 and up)

Jemmy, who once made a meager living catching rats in the sewers, is now living in the king's castle as the whipping boy for Prince Horace, commonly referred to by the citizens of the kingdom as "Prince Brat". Whenever the young prince misbehaves or fails his lessons, Jemmy is punished in his place, since it is illegal to spank the heir to the throne.

When the prince decides to run away, he demands that Jemmy accompany him, so the two boys with nothing in common run away together. Once in the woods, Jemmy and Prince Brat are captured by two scoundrels, Hold-Your-Nose Billy and Cutwater. The scoundrels plot to use Jemmy, whom they assume is royalty because he can write, as a hostage to obtain ransom money and jewels from the king.

When the two boys finally escape from the scoundrels' hut (after Prince Brat has double-crossed Jemmy), they find themselves lost in the forest. With the help of Captain Nips, seller of hot potatoes, and Petunia, the dancing bear, the boys finally escape from danger and find their way back to the city.

Back in the city, Prince Brat begins to appreciate Jemmy's abilities, courage, and friendship, and when the two eventually return to the castle, the prince has resolved to be a true friend to Jemmy and quit his spoiled, selfish ways.

Also by Fleischman:  By the Great Horn Spoon, a comic historical fiction novel about the California Gold Rush. (ages 9-12)