My ten year-old son read The Mysterious Benedict Society (2007) (485 pages), and liked it. He asked me to read it. So, I did. It’s a well-written children’s book that may appeal to fans of the Harry Potter series or the Lemony Snicket drivel. It’s better written than the Lemony Snicket books, not as well written as Harry Potter. Themes include teamwork, diversity, intelligence, practical problem-solving, and family. Other themes include fear, brainsweeping, and thought-control. There is some donnybrook-esque violence, so may not be appropriate or understood by children younger than 10.