This was a book that I picked up several times in the bookstore. You know how sometimes something sounds really good, but you are not sure about it? So, you put it back, then then next time you go to the bookstore you do the same thing. That's how this book was for me. The back of it gives you so little to go on as far as description. It says, "Are you a Gifted Child looking for Special Opportunities?" and goes on to explain that this was an ad put in the paper that dozens of kids responded to. Then, they had to perform a series of crazy tests, but in the end only a few were chosen. The few that were picked were told they would go on a secret mission. Huh. Not much to go on. So, I thought, what the heck! I bought it and I was very glad that I did.
This book is about four kids, Reyine Muldoon a boy who's good at puzzles, Sticky Washington a boy who's uncommonly book smart, Kate Weatherall a resourceful girl who's a great inventor, and Constance Contraire a girl who's good at poetry and being stubborn. These four each discover that they passed a test designed to find kids who were selected by Mr Benedict and his associates for a very important task: saving the world.
Because they are all so different, each child brings something unique to the mission. They each have strengths and weaknesses but find that they work very well with one another, and even become good friends.
This book is so interesting. It reminded me of a Roald Dahl story. It blends clues and capable kids with riveting text to create a magical world that is both unique and intriguing. I really enjoyed this book. Having said that, it may not be the easiest book for beginning readers. It uses big words and it may be a bit advanced for say, an eight year old. If you are a fan of Dahl, then you might like this as it has a similar feel to it. This book is a very good read.
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