Author: Trenton Lee Stewart
Age Range: 9-14
Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Adventure
This is one of the newer young adult fiction novels out there, meaning that it wasn't around when I was growing up. The number of books that has been recently published for the young adult market is mind boggling, but not all of it is excellent or even all that good. However, I really connected to this book as an adult, I think because I connected to the idea of people wanting to be special, or set apart. I know growing up, I always wanted to have something that made me outstanding in contrast to others and I spent sometime trying to figure out what it was. This book explores some of those emotions and makes you feel and sympathize with the characters and their struggles.
The book starts out with Reynie, faced with the opportunity to take a special exam for gifted children. The exam is a puzzle, which he figures out and he ends up passing it. There are a number of small interesting little "tests" designed by the test giver that also further help figure out which kids truly are gifted and have what it takes. In the end there are four such people - Reynie, who is incredibly good at puzzles; Sticky, who has a brain like glue and everything sticks to it (he remembers everything); Kate, who has a bucket in which she carries handy little tools and also has an incredible ability to measure distances with her eyes; and finally Constance, who no one is sure why she is gifted, except that she is incredibly contrary. (Her true gift is revealed at the end of the book and it is both amusing and endearing.)
The four are selected by the somewhat eccentric and mysterious Mr. Benedict. He needs children to help him infiltrate an evil plot being hatched by someone who wishes to brain wash the world. Although Mr. Benedict has figured out some of the problem, he is unable to stop the evilness without the help of children. He gives them ample opportunity to turn down the mission, as it is one that is dangerous, but all four kids take it upon themselves to do the job. One funny note about Mr. Benedict; he is a narcoleptic, falling asleep at sudden moments, usually triggered by a powerful emotion, like sadness, happiness or humor.
The book is filled with little puzzles along the way, allowing the reader to participate in what is going on. It is also an incredibly story of building friendship and loyalty and sacrifice. It is one where you cheer on the four kids as they embark on their mission, because they rely on their wits and their knowledge, they are successful. It is a fun read and one that makes you smile at the end.
Some things to be aware of - the children in the book are all orphans or abandoned in some way shape or form. If you want a story about an intact family, you will not find it here. Also, the "bad guy", Mr. Curtain, is evil enough that he makes your skin crawl. Trenton Lee Stewart does a good job of making him seem very creepy and not normal. There is the use of stun guns here, and there is also some hints at mental torture.
The next in the series, which I have not yet read
#3 in the series, which I also have not read (but will!)
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