The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

This book got a lot of attention when it came out about five years ago.  It is about four children, orphans, who are recruited by a mysterious man, named Mr. Benedict, to perform a secret mission to save the world. The children are recruited because each of them have a special gift. Reynie is really intelligent and good at figuring things out.  Sticky has photographic memory. Kate is good at getting in and out of places, and Constance is good at being very stubborn. Together they infiltrate the Institute for the Very Enlightened and foil a plan to brainwash the whole world.  The book is a good one for brainy kids because it is full of puzzles and codes that the reader can solve along with the characters.  It is a little longish, and I thought pacing was a little slow, but the main characters where interesting and fully developed.  This book ends satisfactorily, as if the writer/editor wasn't sure there would be sequels.  There are sequels, however, two of them, and a prequel to be released soon.  I haven't decided if I am going to read them or not. (485 p.)