Book of the Month
"The Mysterious Benedict Society"
by Trenton Lee Stewart
After Reynie Muldoon responds to an advertisement recruiting "gifted children looking for special opportunities," he finds himself in a world of mystery and adventure. The 11-year-old orphan is one of four children to complete a series of challenging and creative tasks, and he, Kate, Constance, and Sticky become the Mysterious Benedict Society. After being trained by Mr. Benedict and his assistants, the four travel to an isolated school where children are being trained by a criminal mastermind to participate in his schemes to take over the world. The young investigators need to use their special talents and abilities in order to discover Mr. Curtain's secrets, and their only chance to defeat him is through working together. Readers will challenge their own abilities as they work with the Society members to solve clues and put together the pieces of Mr. Curtain's plan. In spite of a variety of coincidences, Stewart's unusual characters, threatening villains, and dramatic plot twists will grab and hold readers' attention. Fans of Roald Dahl or Blue Balliett will find a familiar blend of kid power, clues, and adventure in Society, though its length may daunt reluctant or less-secure readers. Underlying themes about the power of media messages and the value of education add to this book's appeal, and a happy ending with hints of more adventures to come make this first-time author one to remember.
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Blog of the Month
It's Not All Flowers and Sausages
This is a blog for TEACHERS WHO ROCK and are frustrated by the day to day drama that gets in the way of our interactions with children. Don't get me wrong, I love my job, but sometimes a girl has gotta vent...
Selected post: "Noses are held, looks are exchanged and I desperately try to send them that "Do NOT laugh" glare that I usually reserve for errant farts on the carpet. "
News Story of the Month
Class size DOES matter after all
“...class-size reduction programs in California and elsewhere – especially Florida – look foolish.”
So says Justin Snider from the Hechinger Report in a guest post at the Washington Post’s Answer Sheet.
Funny Link of the Month
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