A U T H O R G U I D E

Reading Group Guide prepared in part by Susan Geye.

To order contact your Hachette Book Group USA sales rep or call 1-800-759-0190.

PRAISE

Trenton Lee Stewart was a fi rst-time children’s novelist when he wrote The Mysterious Benedict Society—a critical hit and New York Times bestseller. He recently fi nished the sequel, The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey, and is hard at work on a third in the series.

Trenton credits his idea for these novels from his belief that children are often seen, rarely heard and always underestimated. A graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, he lives with his wife and two sons in Little Rock, Arkansas.

He’s a big fan of chocolate-peanut butter ice cream, although he prefers that there isn’t “too much” peanut butter.

READING GROUP

in the tradition of the

classic storytelling,

The Mysterious Benedict society

novels celebrate the curiosity,

imagination, and ingenuity of

children. These dazzling

adventures put friends, family

and foe to the test.

are you up to the challenge?

The MysTerious BenedicT socieTy

★ “Begins with a bang…resembles the otherwordly experience of

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” —Publishers Weekly

★ “Fans of Roald Dahl or Blue Balliett will fi nd a familiar blend of kid power,

clues, and adventure.” —School Library Journal

★ “Tackles personal concerns: abandonment, family, loyalty,

and facing one’s fears.” —Booklist

★ “…suspense, mystery, and well-rounded characters”

—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“Real fl ashlight under the bedclothes material…this story fl ies past,

thrilling us as it goes.” —Horn Book

“Don’t miss this one.” —VOYA

an instant new york Times bestseller

an slJ Best Book of the year

a Top Ten children’s Book sense Pick

a Booklist “Top Ten youth science Fiction and Fantasy” Title

Trenton Lee StewartThe MysTerious BenedicT socieTyHC ISBN 13: 978-0-316-05777-6PB ISBN 13: 978-0-316-00395-7

The MysTerious BenedicT socieTy and The Perilous JourneyHC ISBN 13: 978-0-316-05780-6

Visit the offi cial web site for author videos,fun downloads and games at

www.mysteriousbenedictsociety.com

PRAISEPRAISE

The MysTerious BenedicT socieTy

BenedicT socieTy and The Perilous JourneyThe Perilous Journey

ABOUT THE

The MysTerious BenedicT socieTyHC ISBN 13: 978-0-316-05777-6PB ISBN 13: 978-0-316-00395-7

The MysTerious BenedicT socieTy

1. Mr. Benedict recruits children who are all alone in the world. Why? Is it a good reason, or a bad one?

2. Reynie says he doesn’t like television. Do you believe him? How do YOU feel about television? What kinds of messages really do come through TV, radio, and movies? Are they usually positive or negative?

3. Why is it so important for the Societyto stay together and work as a team? Even though Constance seems to be a burden at times, what does she bring to the mission?

4. This book shows kids living very independently. For instance, before Mr. Benedict found them, Constance was living in a city library, Kate had joined the circus, and Sticky stowed away on a river barge. Do you think it’s really possible for kids to live like that? Do you think kids should be allowed such independence? Would you like to live on your own? What would you do?

5. At The Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened (L.I.V.E.), the children in the Mysterious Benedict Society are taught that there are no rules. What is ironic about this statement? Is there any truth to it?

6. There are several ranks at LI.V.E., including Executives and Messengers. What are the benefits of being an Executive? A Messenger? How do the

kids serving in these roles differ from the members of the Mysterious Benedict Society? How are they the same?

7. What is the Whisperer? Why does it make the Messengers feel so good about themselves? Why are Reynie and Sticky so terrified to become Messengers? Are their fears founded?

8. Ledroptha Curtain and Mr. Benedict are both men guided by very strong beliefs that are very different — in what ways are they similar? Do you think that they could ever work together? Why?

The MysTerious BenedicT socieTy and The Perilous Journey

1. When we first met the members of the Mysterious Benedict Society they were totally alone in the world. Over the course of the year between novels, they have all been in loving families. How has this changed them? What does family mean to you?

2. Early in the second book, readers witness the unique relationship between Reynie and Mr. Benedict. Why are they drawn to each other for conversation and companionship? Who in your life plays a similar role?

3. When Reynie, Sticky, Kate and Constance find out Mr. Benedict and Number Two are in danger, they set out on their own to help them. Was this a good idea? Why or why not?

4. Why are Sticky, Kate and Constance so hurt when Reynie throws the Captain’s radio out the window of the train? What is the significance of this action?

Q U E S T I O N SDISCUSSION 5. Once Milligan catches up with the

foursome, they refuse to follow his orders and continue to put themselves in danger. Why do you think that they do this? And what do you think prompts Milligan to allow them to continue to do so?

6. Trust—and broken trust—plays a big part in the plot of this novel from trust between the adults and kids, trust between kids and kids and trust between good guys and bad guys. Can you think of examples from the story where trust is built and where it is broken? How does it feel to lose someone’s trust? What did you or the other person do to fix it?

7. If you were to go on a rescue mission which two members of the Mysterious Benedict Society would you want to have with you and why?

8. When the kids return from the mission, they expect a very strong reaction from their families. Describe the reaction that they get. What type of reaction do you think you would get from your family?

General

1. Which of the four members of the Mysterious Benedict Society do you think has the best skill? Why?

2. What is YOUR special skill? What role would you play in the Mysterious Benedict Society?

3. How has the Mysterious Benedict Society helped each member grow? What do you think will happen to each of them in the future?