No spring nor summer’s beauty hath such grace as I have seen in one autumnal face. – John Donne

When a walk among the fallen leaves and see the splendid colors of autumn I know that God is with me. He provides me with peace and allows me to glimpse upon heaven while on earth.

Autumn, the year’s last, loveliest smile. – William Cullen Bryant

The vibrancy of the colorful trees fill me with awe and wonder. To be surrounded by so much beauty leaves me in a contented place.

If winter is slumber and spring is birth and summer is life, then autumn rounds out to be reflection. It’s a time of year when the leaves are down and the harvest is in and the perennials are gone. Mother Earth just closed up the drapes on another year and it’s time to reflect on what’s come before. – Mitchell Burgess

I relish the opportunity to sit back, give thanks and reflect. I’m evolving, continuing to grow and pave new paths. Autumn sets the mood and allows me the tranquil setting to take stock.

Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree. – Emily Bronte

Thoughts flutter away with each leaf caught in the wind. How easy it is to find peace when swallowed up in such bliss.

This first middle school novel in Trenton Lee Stewart’s four book, award winning, New York Times bestselling series, The Mysterious Benedict Society , starts off slow but quickly develops into a quick moving story filled with suspense and intrigue. You just need to get past the the eccentric narcoleptic genius’ selection process for finding four orphans to help him and his associates uncover and end the threat to the world. Then there is no turning back. Reynie, Sticky, Kate and Constance, Mr. Benedict, Rhonda, Number 2 and Milligan captivate and ingratiate the readers with their wonderfully complicated and sad lives.

How can four precocious children, ages 12 and younger, possibly help Mr. Benedict save the world from a madman inventor who is ready to unleash his mind altering “Improvement” plan on humanity?  After twists and turns and a little humor, these clever children show, you can do anything with perseverance, determination, friendship and love. Watch as four lonely, forlorn orphans become friends with confidence and a cause. Many loose pieces are tied up and you feel good at the end of this story.

Adult or middle school reader will both enjoy this book. The characters are endearing. Their flare for uncovering the truth, working together and leaning on all their strengths are worth thinking about. Let their simple desire to please each other be a lesson for each of us to heed.

After reading the first of the four books, I want to read more. I’m interested in seeing how the relationships of the four children and the adults develop and evolve over the next three books (The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey, The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner’s Dilemma The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Riddle of Ages).