Benjamin Pratt and the Keepers of the School: We The Children

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Clements, Andrew. Benjamin Pratt and the Keepers of the School: We The Children. Atheneum Books, 2010. Pgs. 143. Language: G, Sexual Content: G, Violence: G

When Ben is late to class, he discovers the janitor dying in the hallway. Before the custodian dies, he gives him a coin that says,  “First and Always, My School Belongs to the Children: DEFEND IT, Duncan Oak, 1783” and insists that Ben protect the school. When a plot to sell the school for 30 million dollars to an amusement park, Ben can’t help but have mixed feelings. The whole deal sounds fishy and the new assistant janitor that comes in seems even fishier. When Ben and his friends start digging, mysterious things and people keep coming up that make them believe that someone doesn’t want the school’s past dug back up. What part of the school’s past could overthrow the real-estate deal? Who is so intent on keeping in buried?

An intriguing, fast-moving mystery and adventure that is quick to read. The characters are realistic, the plot is enthralling, and the illustrations do a great job of complementing the story. Reluctant and avid readers who like fantasy, adventure, and mystery will enjoy reading this book.

EL - ADVISABLE. Reviewer:  Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.