The Mysterious Benedict Society - a fabulous read for grades 5-9. Check out this starred review from School Library Journal. A similar read to Roald Dahl's book.
After Reynie Muldoon responds to an advertisement recruiting "gifted children looking for special opportunities," he finds himself in a world of mystery and adventure. The 11-year-old orphan is one of four children to complete a series of challenging and creative tasks, and he, Kate, Constance, and Sticky become the Mysterious Benedict Society. After being trained by Mr. Benedict and his assistants, the four travel to an isolated school where children are being trained by a criminal mastermind to participate in his schemes to take over the world. The young investigators need to use their special talents and abilities in order to discover Mr. Curtain's secrets, and their only chance to defeat him is through working together. Readers will challenge their own abilities as they work with the Society members to solve clues and put together the pieces of Mr. Curtain's plan.
The Brixton Brothers by Mac Barnett. A modern day mystery series for boys and girls, grades 4-6. Book 1 and Book 2 are both out. This series reminds me of the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew put together but for the 21st century kid.
