Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Collection
Publication
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (2017), Edition: Reprint, 512 pages
Description
Fantasy. Juvenile Fiction. Juvenile Literature. Science Fiction. HTML:A New York Times Bestseller! By the author of The Mysterious Benedict Society, this heart-pounding mystery adventure is laced with magic and humor. When Reuben discovers an extraordinary antique watch with a secret power, his life takes an intriguing turn. As one secret leads to another, Reuben finds himself torn between his honest nature and the lure to be a hero. Now he is on a dangerous adventure�??full of curious characters, treacherous traps, and hairsbreadth escapes�??as he races to solve the mystery before it is too late. With fearless Penny, mighty Jack, and the wise Mrs. Genevieve on his side, can Reuben outwit a sly villain called The Smoke and save the city from a terrible fate? In this ingeniously crafted novel, acclaimed author Trenton Lee Stewart invites readers to join the adventure, decipher the clues, and ask themselves the question: Is knowing a secret a gift or a… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member RobynELee
Great YA or middle grade novel filled with adventure and magic, suspense and evil doers. This is a well written tale that is part coming of age for characters who deal with bullying, being friendless and insecure, and who struggle to make the right decisions when faced with extraordinary
Show More
circumstances. Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of the book. Show Less
LibraryThing member theokester
Seven years ago I started reading the "Mysterious Benedict Society" aloud with my kids. We had a ton of fun with the puzzles and adventures laid out in those books. So naturally when I found a new "middle grader" book from the same author I jumped at the chance to read it.
The Secret Keepers centers
One morning he finds an alley with two buildings close together and a ledge higher up. He decides to see if he can lean between the two buildings and work himself up to the ledge. After a nerve wracking climb and nearly exhausting his strength, Reuben rests on the ledge and enjoys the view. It is here that he discovers a small box engraved with a name and containing an intriguing watch. He admires the beauty and workmanship of the watch and wonders if perhaps he could sell it to try and help raise his family a little bit out of their poverty. However, as he starts investigating the watch to try and find potential buyers, he learns that the Smoke has been searching for a watch precisely matching this one for many years. Wondering why the Smoke would be interested in the watch, Reuben tinkers with the watch and discovers an unexpected secret...the watch provides the holder with a temporary but amazing power. Somehow the Smoke learns that a boy has found the watch and sends his Directions out to search everywhere to try and find Reuben.
Worried for his safety and not wanting the Smoke to gain the power of the watch, Reuben sets out to find the history of the watch and see what he can learn about its previous owners. His search leads him to the Meyer family who has a multi-generation secret story around the watch and what they need to do if/when it ever finds its way back to them. The youngest member of the family, Penny, becomes a good friend to Reuben and as Reuben determines to continue his adventure, she convinces him to reluctantly bring her along. Her older brother Jack finds out about their plans and attaches himself to the adventure to try and undermine the Smoke and his hold on the city.
Like the Benedict Society books, this novel is a hefty read with over 500 pages. While geared towards middle graders (aged 8-12), it is written with a tone, complexity and style that doesn't talk down to them and as such it might be off-putting for less adept readers such that it might be better for the older side of that age range. When I read the Benedict books to my kids, the youngest was 5 and she enjoyed the stories while not catching the nuances. I suspect the same would be true for younger readers of Secret Keepers. An 8-year-old could likely read the book but might get bogged down and a little bored.
The overall pacing of the story is methodical and builds on itself as the story progresses. The book is split into three "parts" which could have been categorized as novellas (or novels for younger readers) each being about 170 pages. The first focuses on Reuben in the Lower Downs and his search through New Umbra to learn more about the watch. The second involves his trip where he meets the Meyer family and learns the history of the watch and then formulates his plan to take on the Smoke. The final part involves the culmination of his plans and the confrontation with the Smoke. The first part of the book is much slower paced as we get character and world development. The pace picks up as we move into the second part and then it really cranks up once we get into the climactic adventure in part three. Even though the world, characters and story is interesting and engaging, I could see some readers getting bored and bogged down in the early chapters. My advice would be to push through for the heightened suspense and action that builds later in the book. The buildup is worth it.
I found the mechanisms of the plot both unique and familiar at the same time. The world building was both non-descript and realistic. It wasn't set in any specific country location but I could visualize the city, towns and locations quite well. Most of the characterization was pretty high level. Reuben was fairly detailed but I sometimes found myself wondering at his age, physical/mental strength and his fortitude. I acknowledge that he grew up in hard circumstances but his nature and abilities were still a bit surprising. Still, as the protagonist of a children's novel, this is to be expected. The other main characters (Penny and Jack especially) were a lot of fun. I enjoyed the characteristics given to their family as a whole and the way that Penny and Jack were at opposite ends of these character traits. As far as plot development, without presenting any "spoilers" for you let me make what may seem like a very strange comparison...I was reminded a little bit of Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit. I thought about the watch and the Smoke and their relation to the Tolkien plot and his One Ring. It helped flesh out some of the strange motivations of both Reuben and the Smoke. I don't know if those stories were a direct influence or not but it was a fun comparison to run in my mind.
Overall I found this to be an excellent read. I am definitely recommending that my kids pick this up and read it. They're older now so schedules make reading it aloud to them a bit trickier or else I would suggest we renew that tradition. Time has subdued my memory of the Benedict stories but in an initial comparison of my memory, I feel like I loved this book more than the Benedict novels. A re-read of those stories might change my mind but I suspect they are at least equal in enjoyment.
I whole heartedly recommend this book to middle grade or YA readers and even to adult readers who like "youthful" stories. Be prepared for a methodic buildup with intriguing and engaging twists and turns to take you down both predictable and unpredictable roads and leaving you with a number of thoughtful questions to consider.
*****
4.5 out of 5 stars
The Secret Keepers centers
Show More
on the adventures of a young 11-year-old boy named Reuben. He lives in Lower Downs, one of the poorer areas of the city of New Umbra. His father died when he was a baby and his mother has to work 2 jobs to keep them afloat in their tiny little apartment. While his mother works, Reuben spends his days exploring the city and keeping a watch on the various inhabitants of the neighborhoods. As he wanders the city we learn a little bit about the "politics" of the city. A mysterious man (or creature?) known only as "The Smoke" keeps the city under his thumb. Over the years he has accumulated significant influence such that he essentially controls the government, police force, shopkeepers, etc. He has bands of spies/enforcers that Reuben (and others) refer to as "The Directions." These men go out in groups of four, each assigned to always keep watch in a certain direction (forward, behind, left, right) so that as they patrol the streets they always look everywhere. Reuben prides himself on being able to observe the Directions from positions where he can't be seen from them. This is one of his many games. His other is exploring and adventuring places he's never been before.One morning he finds an alley with two buildings close together and a ledge higher up. He decides to see if he can lean between the two buildings and work himself up to the ledge. After a nerve wracking climb and nearly exhausting his strength, Reuben rests on the ledge and enjoys the view. It is here that he discovers a small box engraved with a name and containing an intriguing watch. He admires the beauty and workmanship of the watch and wonders if perhaps he could sell it to try and help raise his family a little bit out of their poverty. However, as he starts investigating the watch to try and find potential buyers, he learns that the Smoke has been searching for a watch precisely matching this one for many years. Wondering why the Smoke would be interested in the watch, Reuben tinkers with the watch and discovers an unexpected secret...the watch provides the holder with a temporary but amazing power. Somehow the Smoke learns that a boy has found the watch and sends his Directions out to search everywhere to try and find Reuben.
Worried for his safety and not wanting the Smoke to gain the power of the watch, Reuben sets out to find the history of the watch and see what he can learn about its previous owners. His search leads him to the Meyer family who has a multi-generation secret story around the watch and what they need to do if/when it ever finds its way back to them. The youngest member of the family, Penny, becomes a good friend to Reuben and as Reuben determines to continue his adventure, she convinces him to reluctantly bring her along. Her older brother Jack finds out about their plans and attaches himself to the adventure to try and undermine the Smoke and his hold on the city.
Like the Benedict Society books, this novel is a hefty read with over 500 pages. While geared towards middle graders (aged 8-12), it is written with a tone, complexity and style that doesn't talk down to them and as such it might be off-putting for less adept readers such that it might be better for the older side of that age range. When I read the Benedict books to my kids, the youngest was 5 and she enjoyed the stories while not catching the nuances. I suspect the same would be true for younger readers of Secret Keepers. An 8-year-old could likely read the book but might get bogged down and a little bored.
The overall pacing of the story is methodical and builds on itself as the story progresses. The book is split into three "parts" which could have been categorized as novellas (or novels for younger readers) each being about 170 pages. The first focuses on Reuben in the Lower Downs and his search through New Umbra to learn more about the watch. The second involves his trip where he meets the Meyer family and learns the history of the watch and then formulates his plan to take on the Smoke. The final part involves the culmination of his plans and the confrontation with the Smoke. The first part of the book is much slower paced as we get character and world development. The pace picks up as we move into the second part and then it really cranks up once we get into the climactic adventure in part three. Even though the world, characters and story is interesting and engaging, I could see some readers getting bored and bogged down in the early chapters. My advice would be to push through for the heightened suspense and action that builds later in the book. The buildup is worth it.
I found the mechanisms of the plot both unique and familiar at the same time. The world building was both non-descript and realistic. It wasn't set in any specific country location but I could visualize the city, towns and locations quite well. Most of the characterization was pretty high level. Reuben was fairly detailed but I sometimes found myself wondering at his age, physical/mental strength and his fortitude. I acknowledge that he grew up in hard circumstances but his nature and abilities were still a bit surprising. Still, as the protagonist of a children's novel, this is to be expected. The other main characters (Penny and Jack especially) were a lot of fun. I enjoyed the characteristics given to their family as a whole and the way that Penny and Jack were at opposite ends of these character traits. As far as plot development, without presenting any "spoilers" for you let me make what may seem like a very strange comparison...I was reminded a little bit of Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit. I thought about the watch and the Smoke and their relation to the Tolkien plot and his One Ring. It helped flesh out some of the strange motivations of both Reuben and the Smoke. I don't know if those stories were a direct influence or not but it was a fun comparison to run in my mind.
Overall I found this to be an excellent read. I am definitely recommending that my kids pick this up and read it. They're older now so schedules make reading it aloud to them a bit trickier or else I would suggest we renew that tradition. Time has subdued my memory of the Benedict stories but in an initial comparison of my memory, I feel like I loved this book more than the Benedict novels. A re-read of those stories might change my mind but I suspect they are at least equal in enjoyment.
I whole heartedly recommend this book to middle grade or YA readers and even to adult readers who like "youthful" stories. Be prepared for a methodic buildup with intriguing and engaging twists and turns to take you down both predictable and unpredictable roads and leaving you with a number of thoughtful questions to consider.
*****
4.5 out of 5 stars
Show Less
LibraryThing member bibliovermis
This book was not as engrossing as The Mysterious Benedict Society series, and it was really rather long for a middle grade book. More importantly, the characterization was really slim; despite a cast of supporting characters, and what should have been an fascinating history of some intriguing
Show More
artifacts, the main character is the only one who really seems like a fully realized character, and he was a character it was difficult to identify with. Show Less
LibraryThing member eduscapes
THE SECRET KEEPERS by Trenton Lee Stewart is a fast-paced mystery adventure.
When Reuben finds a magical, antique watch with the power of invisibility, he’s propelled into a life-changing adventure filled with quirky characters, dangerous secrets, and a time-sensitive mystery.
Librarians will find
Published by Little, Brown Book on Hachette Books on September 27, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.
When Reuben finds a magical, antique watch with the power of invisibility, he’s propelled into a life-changing adventure filled with quirky characters, dangerous secrets, and a time-sensitive mystery.
Librarians will find
Show More
a ready-made audience in fans of The Mysterious Benedict Society. Although the book’s length may be a barrier for some students, others will enjoy the depth of the plot. Children who like puzzles, surprises, and mysteries will enjoy the complexity of the story.Published by Little, Brown Book on Hachette Books on September 27, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.
Show Less
LibraryThing member mbuxton
A bit too long - great characters and mystery and adventure but just way too long.
LibraryThing member little_manb
Summary: This book is about a 12 year-old boy Reuben who find a watch that has this magic power to turn him invisible but theres more then what we expected. He then find a girl named penny who tells his the secret of the watch and what it can do. So Reuben and his new friends go on a adventure to
Review: Great book has an thrilling adventure that keeps you on your feet. Though it really long which can cause younger readers to turn away from it. Though other then that its great.
Class: Can use to tell students the adventure about holding a secret but also the dangers that come with it.
Media: print
Grade: middle school
Genre: since fiction
Show More
stop a group named the Directions. The Directions are a group who also want the watch because they know that the watch has special properties. Though with trying to keep the watch safe and defeating the Directions brings great danger that come after him and his friends. Review: Great book has an thrilling adventure that keeps you on your feet. Though it really long which can cause younger readers to turn away from it. Though other then that its great.
Class: Can use to tell students the adventure about holding a secret but also the dangers that come with it.
Media: print
Grade: middle school
Genre: since fiction
Show Less
LibraryThing member adamwolf
I really enjoyed this, but not as much as the Mr. Benedict's Society series. It sometimes reminds me of A Series of Unfortunate Events.
LibraryThing member Tessa.Johnson
This book got off to a slow start, but when it ramped up it really got exciting! There are secrets, mysteries, pirates tunnels, treasure, booby-trapped mansions, and so much more. I couldn't put it down!
LibraryThing member roses7184
Trenton Lee Stewart had me charmed with The Mysterious Benedict Society. I fell in love with the quick moving, fluid and well-written story line that unfolded on the pages. To say I had high hopes for The Secret Keepers would be an understatement, which probably contributed to disappointment. This
First off, this book is honestly much longer than it should be. It stretches the story out to the point where, quite often, there is nothing actually happening on the pages. I can absolutely forgive a book for starting out slowly, as the background and characters are set in place. This book, however, never actually picks up speed. It meanders along, at a plodding pace, to the point that I skimmed a fair amount of pages per chapter and didn't feel like I'd missed anything. The story line itself is solid, and interesting. It's just bogged down by the length it needs to fill.
I also just never fell in love with our main character. Reuben never felt brave to me, only foolhardy and impulsive. While I could see Stewart trying valiantly to outline the reasons why Reuben behaved as he did, it still never felt truthful to me. I'm absolutely enamored with the idea of a boy who loves his mother so much he'd do anything to protect her. Past that, however, it just fell apart for me. I admit that Penny did increase my interest for a while though. So there's that! She's a little spitfire.
Whenever I read a book that is aimed at the Middle Grade crowd, I always try to think about it from that perspective as well. After working with that age of children for many years, and being an avid reader myself well before that age group, I feel comfortable settling myself back into that mindset. That being said, this book doesn't seem like one that would capture their imaginations. It lacks excitement. It was missing that piece that keeps you riveted, tearing through the pages to find out what happens next. Even the ultimate confrontation, the big climax, didn't really come through. Both Middle Grade Jessica and adult Jessica would have felt that lack of real energy. I'd love to recommend this one, but I really can't. Go forth and get lost in the charming world of The Mysterious Benedict Society instead.
Show More
book isn't quite up to bar that I had set for it.First off, this book is honestly much longer than it should be. It stretches the story out to the point where, quite often, there is nothing actually happening on the pages. I can absolutely forgive a book for starting out slowly, as the background and characters are set in place. This book, however, never actually picks up speed. It meanders along, at a plodding pace, to the point that I skimmed a fair amount of pages per chapter and didn't feel like I'd missed anything. The story line itself is solid, and interesting. It's just bogged down by the length it needs to fill.
I also just never fell in love with our main character. Reuben never felt brave to me, only foolhardy and impulsive. While I could see Stewart trying valiantly to outline the reasons why Reuben behaved as he did, it still never felt truthful to me. I'm absolutely enamored with the idea of a boy who loves his mother so much he'd do anything to protect her. Past that, however, it just fell apart for me. I admit that Penny did increase my interest for a while though. So there's that! She's a little spitfire.
Whenever I read a book that is aimed at the Middle Grade crowd, I always try to think about it from that perspective as well. After working with that age of children for many years, and being an avid reader myself well before that age group, I feel comfortable settling myself back into that mindset. That being said, this book doesn't seem like one that would capture their imaginations. It lacks excitement. It was missing that piece that keeps you riveted, tearing through the pages to find out what happens next. Even the ultimate confrontation, the big climax, didn't really come through. Both Middle Grade Jessica and adult Jessica would have felt that lack of real energy. I'd love to recommend this one, but I really can't. Go forth and get lost in the charming world of The Mysterious Benedict Society instead.
Show Less
LibraryThing member tjsjohanna
Rueben finds a magical watch and suddenly his drab existence in an oppressed city gets exciting. Rueben finds himself the object of The Smoke's attention and finds unexpected allies in the Meyer family. The writing is good and there are lots of clever things going on.
LibraryThing member reader1009
children's middlegrade adventure/suspense/mystery fiction (4th grade and up). Another great read from Stewart; would recommend to kids who enjoy longer chapter books. Would also probably work well as a read-aloud, with several cliff-hanger chapter endings.
Awards
Great Reads from Great Places (Arkansas — 2017)
Notable Children's Book (Middle Readers — 2017)
Language
Original language
English
Physical description
512 p.; 5.25 inches
ISBN
0316389544 / 9780316389549
Similar in this library
The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey (Benedict Society, Book 2) by Trenton Lee Stewart
The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma (Benedict Society, Book 3) by Trenton Lee Stewart
The Mysterious Benedict Society: Mr. Benedict's Book of Perplexing Puzzles, Elusive Enigmas, and Curious Conundrums by Trenton Lee Stewart