By Trenton Lee Stewart
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This series will sweep you off your feet – with a perfect mix of whimsical surprises and important messages, this is a saga for everyone.
Genres: Science Fiction, Historical Fiction
Recommended Age Level: 9+
Series (5 books)
Rating: 4.8/5
Synopsis
“Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?”
When this peculiar ad appears in the newspaper, dozens of children enroll to take a series of mysterious, mind-bending tests. (And you, dear reader, can test your wits right alongside them.) But in the end just four very special children will succeed. Their challenge: to go on a secret mission that only the most intelligent and resourceful children could complete. To accomplish it they will have to go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where the only rule is that there are no rules. As our heroes face physical and mental trials beyond their wildest imaginations, they have no choice but to turn to each other for support. But with their newfound friendship at stake, will they be able to pass the most important test of all?
A Review
Even though this book is technically written for an audience that is younger than myself, I really enjoyed reading this! All of the characters were lovable, quirky, multi-layered, and unique, and it was so much fun to follow them on their journey to preserve the world as we know it. Their commitment to the truth and doing what is right, not what is easy, was really heartening and inspiring, especially considering that they were able to hold on to their strong moral compasses even after going through so much difficulty in their lives. I also liked being able to test my wits a little bit while they were solving the puzzles within the pages – though I'm not sure I could keep up with a team like Reynie, Sticky, Kate, and Constance in real life!
Similar Recommendations
The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey by Trenton Lee Stewart (next book in the series)
Eleven Birthdays by Wendy Mass
Spy School by Stewart Gibbs
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