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Benjamin Pratt & the Keepers of the School #5
We Hold These Truths
From the author of Frindle, Ben and his friends have just three days left to save their school or it will be bulldozed before their very eyes. The conclusion to Andrew Clements’s dynamic Keepers of the School series!
The Keepers of the School—known to their friends as Ben, Jill, and Robert—have one last chance to save their school before it’s torn down to make room for a seaside amusement park. But their nemeses, Janitors Lyman and Wally, are just as determined to keep the kids out of the way and the demolition on schedule.
One way or the other, this battle is about to come to a head. When all is said and done, will the school still be standing? Or will everything the Keepers have fought for be destroyed?
The Keepers of the School—known to their friends as Ben, Jill, and Robert—have one last chance to save their school before it’s torn down to make room for a seaside amusement park. But their nemeses, Janitors Lyman and Wally, are just as determined to keep the kids out of the way and the demolition on schedule.
One way or the other, this battle is about to come to a head. When all is said and done, will the school still be standing? Or will everything the Keepers have fought for be destroyed?
288 pages, Paperback
First published November 12, 2013
18 people are currently reading
383 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Clements
191 books2,190 followersI was born in Camden, New Jersey in 1949 and lived in Oaklyn and Cherry Hill until the middle of sixth grade. Then we moved to Springfield, Illinois. My parents were avid readers and they gave that love of books and reading to me and to all my brothers and sisters. I didn’t think about being a writer at all back then, but I did love to read. I'm certain there's a link between reading good books and becoming a writer. I don't know a single writer who wasn’t a reader first.
Before moving to Illinois, and even afterwards, our family spent summers at a cabin on a lake in Maine. There was no TV there, no phone, no doorbell—and email wasn’t even invented. All day there was time to swim and fish and mess around outside, and every night, there was time to read. I know those quiet summers helped me begin to think like a writer.
During my senior year at Springfield High School my English teacher handed back a poem I’d written. Two things were amazing about that paper. First, I’d gotten an A—a rare event in this teacher’s class. And she’d also written in large, scrawly red writing, “Andrew—this poem is so funny. This should be published!”
That praise sent me off to Northwestern University feeling like I was a pretty good writer, and occasionally professors there also encouraged me and complimented the essays I was required to write as a literature major. But I didn’t write much on my own—just some poetry now and then. I learned to play guitar and began writing songs, but again, only when I felt like it. Writing felt like hard work—something that’s still true today.
After the songwriting came my first job in publishing. I worked for a small publisher who specialized in how-to books, the kind of books that have photos with informative captions below each one. The book in which my name first appeared in print is called A Country Christmas Treasury. I’d built a number of the projects featured in the book, and I was listed as one of the “craftspeople”on the acknowlegements page, in tiny, tiny type.
In 1990 I began trying to write a story about a boy who makes up a new word. That book eventually became my first novel, Frindle, published in 1996, and you can read the whole story of how it developed on another web site, frindle.com. Frindle became popular, more popular than any of my books before or since—at least so far. And it had the eventual effect of turning me into a full-time writer.
I’ve learned that I need time and a quiet place to think and write. These days, I spend a lot of my time sitting in a small shed about seventy feet from my back door at our home in Massachusetts. There’s a woodstove in there for the cold winters, and an air conditioner for the hot summers. There’s a desk and chair, and I carry a laptop computer back and forth. But there’s no TV, no phone, no doorbell, no email. And the woodstove and the pine board walls make the place smell just like that cabin in Maine where I spent my earliest summers.
Sometimes kids ask how I've been able to write so many books. The answer is simple: one word at a time. Which is a good lesson, I think. You don't have to do everything at once. You don't have to know how every story is going to end. You just have to take that next step, look for that next idea, write that next word. And growing up, it's the same way. We just have to go to that next class, read that next chapter, help that next person. You simply have to do that next good thing, and before you know it, you're living a good life.
Before moving to Illinois, and even afterwards, our family spent summers at a cabin on a lake in Maine. There was no TV there, no phone, no doorbell—and email wasn’t even invented. All day there was time to swim and fish and mess around outside, and every night, there was time to read. I know those quiet summers helped me begin to think like a writer.
During my senior year at Springfield High School my English teacher handed back a poem I’d written. Two things were amazing about that paper. First, I’d gotten an A—a rare event in this teacher’s class. And she’d also written in large, scrawly red writing, “Andrew—this poem is so funny. This should be published!”
That praise sent me off to Northwestern University feeling like I was a pretty good writer, and occasionally professors there also encouraged me and complimented the essays I was required to write as a literature major. But I didn’t write much on my own—just some poetry now and then. I learned to play guitar and began writing songs, but again, only when I felt like it. Writing felt like hard work—something that’s still true today.
After the songwriting came my first job in publishing. I worked for a small publisher who specialized in how-to books, the kind of books that have photos with informative captions below each one. The book in which my name first appeared in print is called A Country Christmas Treasury. I’d built a number of the projects featured in the book, and I was listed as one of the “craftspeople”on the acknowlegements page, in tiny, tiny type.
In 1990 I began trying to write a story about a boy who makes up a new word. That book eventually became my first novel, Frindle, published in 1996, and you can read the whole story of how it developed on another web site, frindle.com. Frindle became popular, more popular than any of my books before or since—at least so far. And it had the eventual effect of turning me into a full-time writer.
I’ve learned that I need time and a quiet place to think and write. These days, I spend a lot of my time sitting in a small shed about seventy feet from my back door at our home in Massachusetts. There’s a woodstove in there for the cold winters, and an air conditioner for the hot summers. There’s a desk and chair, and I carry a laptop computer back and forth. But there’s no TV, no phone, no doorbell, no email. And the woodstove and the pine board walls make the place smell just like that cabin in Maine where I spent my earliest summers.
Sometimes kids ask how I've been able to write so many books. The answer is simple: one word at a time. Which is a good lesson, I think. You don't have to do everything at once. You don't have to know how every story is going to end. You just have to take that next step, look for that next idea, write that next word. And growing up, it's the same way. We just have to go to that next class, read that next chapter, help that next person. You simply have to do that next good thing, and before you know it, you're living a good life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
October 27, 2016
I have now read 13 books by Andrew Clements in about 6 months. And this is the only series of his I have read. I thought this series was good while reading through the 5 volumes but after finishing this one I really think it is an awesome series. These 5 books span 28 days and each book follows directly after the other. They really do pack a lot of action, adventure, and personal growth.
If you have been following these reviews starting with Fear Itself, then We the Children, followed by The Whites of Their Eyes, and then In Harm's Way you will know that Ben was entrusted with a gold coin and made a promise to protect the Oakes School. As time has gone on, he has enlisted the help first of Jill and later Robert. With an encounter with a former janitor they start adding adults to their team. And by the beginning of this book there are 13 keeps. With some quick thinking Ben adds 7 more students to their ranks. So we have twenty keeps working against the two agents from the Glennley Group and the massive corporate threat they are up against.
Captain Oakes had left clues, 5 riddles that will each reveal something that could save the School. But with just a few days to go the Keepers are getting desperate. Ben, Jill and Robert find the 4th clue and though it is incredible, they know it is not enough to save the school at this late date. For his clues warned "Seek the final safeguard ONLY IF YOU MUST-for once it is found, our school will change forever. And the large iron key they'd found in the same place? Almost the same words were scratched into the metal: USE ONLY IF YOU MUST." But they were at the point where they must. And with an elaborate plan with many adults playing roles, and even roping in the librarian they go after the 5th and final clue right under the noses of the Gleenley goons, Mr, Lyman and Wally.
The way this series build is great. They tension between our three main characters and their own personal growth is interesting to watch. Especially when set against the back drop of trying to save their historic school. And believing they have been called across time to take up the mantel of being keepers of the school.
As mentioned I have read 13 of Clements books over the last 6 months and already have a few more than that in my current to be read pile. I can highly recommend him as one of the best middle grade authors currently writing books. And this series is pretty awesome. In Many ways it reads like the National Treasure movies with a trio of children thrust into the role of saving the historic and bringing what has been hidden back into the light. An awesome series!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Andrew Clements.
If you have been following these reviews starting with Fear Itself, then We the Children, followed by The Whites of Their Eyes, and then In Harm's Way you will know that Ben was entrusted with a gold coin and made a promise to protect the Oakes School. As time has gone on, he has enlisted the help first of Jill and later Robert. With an encounter with a former janitor they start adding adults to their team. And by the beginning of this book there are 13 keeps. With some quick thinking Ben adds 7 more students to their ranks. So we have twenty keeps working against the two agents from the Glennley Group and the massive corporate threat they are up against.
Captain Oakes had left clues, 5 riddles that will each reveal something that could save the School. But with just a few days to go the Keepers are getting desperate. Ben, Jill and Robert find the 4th clue and though it is incredible, they know it is not enough to save the school at this late date. For his clues warned "Seek the final safeguard ONLY IF YOU MUST-for once it is found, our school will change forever. And the large iron key they'd found in the same place? Almost the same words were scratched into the metal: USE ONLY IF YOU MUST." But they were at the point where they must. And with an elaborate plan with many adults playing roles, and even roping in the librarian they go after the 5th and final clue right under the noses of the Gleenley goons, Mr, Lyman and Wally.
The way this series build is great. They tension between our three main characters and their own personal growth is interesting to watch. Especially when set against the back drop of trying to save their historic school. And believing they have been called across time to take up the mantel of being keepers of the school.
As mentioned I have read 13 of Clements books over the last 6 months and already have a few more than that in my current to be read pile. I can highly recommend him as one of the best middle grade authors currently writing books. And this series is pretty awesome. In Many ways it reads like the National Treasure movies with a trio of children thrust into the role of saving the historic and bringing what has been hidden back into the light. An awesome series!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Andrew Clements.
March 14, 2022
This book is an amazing finale to an amazing series. I loved the plan the children (okay, Robert) came up with. The last 30% of the book have a lot of suspense, which ends with, well, a surprising ending.
I also loved how Ben grew as a person and really figured out what his role in the group was. There are great takeaways in this book and things you can learn from the characters. It’s kind of sad to say good-bye, since this is the last book of the series. I will be revisiting these characters many times.
The quote that sums up the whole series: “Change couldn’t be stopped… but people always had choices. […] You could either give up and accept someone else’s ideas about change, or you could fight for the kind of changes you believe in.”
Funniest quote: “Ben realized that being in charge of a meeting wasn’t so bad after all – you got to tell others to do stuff.”
Star rating: 5 starts from 5
I also loved how Ben grew as a person and really figured out what his role in the group was. There are great takeaways in this book and things you can learn from the characters. It’s kind of sad to say good-bye, since this is the last book of the series. I will be revisiting these characters many times.
The quote that sums up the whole series: “Change couldn’t be stopped… but people always had choices. […] You could either give up and accept someone else’s ideas about change, or you could fight for the kind of changes you believe in.”
Funniest quote: “Ben realized that being in charge of a meeting wasn’t so bad after all – you got to tell others to do stuff.”
Star rating: 5 starts from 5
February 13, 2018
I love this series. It's so cleverly written and each clue is so carefully plotted out. I also love the characters. They are realistic as kids with flaws and quirks and still very likeable. Andrew Clements gets kids this age and he understands teachers. Both students and teachers alike can relate to all of his books.
Genre: Mystery
AR level: 6.0
Grade appropriate: 3rd grade and up
RATING BREAKDOWN:
Overall: 5/5
Creativity: 4/5-- There are several books out right now about kids who need to save their school but Clements was the first one I read. That made it creative in my view.
Characters: 5/5-- Love these kids! The villains are also very believable and wicked enough for you to hate them just as much as the kids do.
Engrossing: 5/5-- I scoop these up as soon as the next in the series comes out. And I never feel lost no matter how long it's been since I read the last one.
Writing: 5/5
Appeal to kids: 5/5-- I always have a group of kids waiting for the next in the series to come out.
Appropriate length to tell the story: 5/5
CONTENT:
Language: none
Sexuality: none
Violence: none
Drugs/Alcohol: none
Genre: Mystery
AR level: 6.0
Grade appropriate: 3rd grade and up
RATING BREAKDOWN:
Overall: 5/5
Creativity: 4/5-- There are several books out right now about kids who need to save their school but Clements was the first one I read. That made it creative in my view.
Characters: 5/5-- Love these kids! The villains are also very believable and wicked enough for you to hate them just as much as the kids do.
Engrossing: 5/5-- I scoop these up as soon as the next in the series comes out. And I never feel lost no matter how long it's been since I read the last one.
Writing: 5/5
Appeal to kids: 5/5-- I always have a group of kids waiting for the next in the series to come out.
Appropriate length to tell the story: 5/5
CONTENT:
Language: none
Sexuality: none
Violence: none
Drugs/Alcohol: none
March 3, 2017
Andrew Clements is nothing if not consistent. He has perfected the middle-grade school story and produces compelling and (mostly) believable stories with a message. He breaks from that pattern for Benjamin Pratt and the Keepers of the School by lengthening his narrative and turning it into a thriller. I understand that with the genre constraints, the books can't be too long, but this series should have been published as one volume. Each book breaks off awkwardly with little resolution plot-wise albeit at an appropriate character development point for Benjamin. Fun, interesting, entertaining, and exciting.
May 4, 2017
Andrew Clements is a reliably good storyteller, but the Benjamin Pratt & the Keepers of the School series broke new ground for him after decades of success in publishing. Featuring a protracted storyline that couldn't possibly fit in one of his typical junior novels, the author presents Ben, Jill, Robert, and the crew of Keepers they assemble over the course of five books with a challenge that seems unlikely for any group of sixth-graders to solve. Defeating the Glennley Group, a wealthy corporation with big plans for the land being occupied by the wonderful old Captain Duncan Oakes School? Outwitting a pair of Glennley spies posing as janitors, who dog Ben and the others everywhere they step foot within the school to prevent them from locating the "safeguards" planted by Captain Oakes in the late 1700s as insurance against a hostile takeover of his school one day? That a few brave kids could stand up to Glennley and convince the town to reverse its decision allowing the school's demolition seems farfetched, but Ben, Jill, and Robert aren't acting unilaterally. After the death of Mr. Keane, the janitor, the title of Keeper of the School has been secretly passed down to Ben, which means he possesses every asset intended to help the Keepers perform their job. Three of the five safeguards have been found and two remain, but only days are left before the school's demise. If Ben and his growing reserve of Keepers can't find the safeguards by then, more than two hundred years of history will disappear forever.
What started as three kids versus Glennley has expanded to include their parents and other grownups, and the network extends further in We Hold These Truths. As time dwindles and desperation increases, our primary trio of Keepers deputizes other kids and even teachers who get queasy at the thought of their beloved school's extermination. Ben, Jill, and Robert use these new recruits to distract the two janitor spies, Lyman and Wally, so they can sneak into secret areas of the school and unearth the last two safeguards. Their investigation leads them below the school through musty tunnels that haven't been traversed in centuries, using their considerable smarts to crack codes left by Captain Oakes to guide his Keepers. The final safeguard is their best hope, but they'd rather not have to resort to it. One of the captain's clues warns that the school will never be the same if the fifth safeguard is enacted, and our heroes are uneasy about what that could mean.
As they close in on the missing safeguard, Ben, Jill, and Robert have to be more careful than ever not to let Lyman or Wally catch them doing something illegal in defense of Captain Oakes's heritage. Their discoveries so far have tipped the balance close to being in their favor, but the one find that would render the school untouchable has stayed beyond reach. Emotions rise as the prospect of saying goodbye to their school becomes reality, but Captain Oakes designed a strong plan those centuries ago, and there's still time to locate the safeguard he held back as a last resort. The Keepers' mission isn't over until they've reached the end of the captain's trail. His school may not be wiped off the map after all.
"Change couldn't be stopped...but people always had choices, didn't they? Even if change was being forced on you...you still had a choice: You could either give up and accept someone else's ideas about change, or you could fight for the kind of changes you believed in."
—We Hold These Truths, P. 37
Ben, Jill, and especially Robert come across as more articulate and fleet of mind than believable sixth-graders should be, but their responses to the pressure of being Keepers are generally authentic. Robert's haughtiness rubs the other two the wrong way, and only Ben can keep them from wasting time squabbling. The three main Keepers have bouts of self-doubt and disillusionment, but the beauty of forming a trio is that no one has to carry more of the burden than they can bear. Ben, Jill, and Robert each show emotional growth over these five novels, though not to an unrealistic degree, and as we watch them move into their futures in the closing pages, it feels a little wistful. I'm going to miss solving riddles and mysteries beside Ben and his friends as an honorary Keeper. I've grown fond of them.
If I could rate the entire Benjamin Pratt & the Keepers of the School series, it would be closer to three stars than two. My average rating for each book was about two and a half stars, but the story is greater than the sum of its parts. Individually, I'd say book two, Fear Itself, is best, and the other four are of almost indistinguishable quality. We Hold These Truths is probably second-best because of the poignance of parting ways with the characters and their story. A big part of me wants to round my two-and-a-half star rating of We Hold These Truths to three, but I think it's okay this way, with the understanding that the series as a whole deserves to be rounded to three stars. These books have elevated my regard for Andrew Clements, and I hope to read more stories by him that touch me as they have. I promise you this: I won't forget Benjamin Pratt & the Keepers of the School.
What started as three kids versus Glennley has expanded to include their parents and other grownups, and the network extends further in We Hold These Truths. As time dwindles and desperation increases, our primary trio of Keepers deputizes other kids and even teachers who get queasy at the thought of their beloved school's extermination. Ben, Jill, and Robert use these new recruits to distract the two janitor spies, Lyman and Wally, so they can sneak into secret areas of the school and unearth the last two safeguards. Their investigation leads them below the school through musty tunnels that haven't been traversed in centuries, using their considerable smarts to crack codes left by Captain Oakes to guide his Keepers. The final safeguard is their best hope, but they'd rather not have to resort to it. One of the captain's clues warns that the school will never be the same if the fifth safeguard is enacted, and our heroes are uneasy about what that could mean.
As they close in on the missing safeguard, Ben, Jill, and Robert have to be more careful than ever not to let Lyman or Wally catch them doing something illegal in defense of Captain Oakes's heritage. Their discoveries so far have tipped the balance close to being in their favor, but the one find that would render the school untouchable has stayed beyond reach. Emotions rise as the prospect of saying goodbye to their school becomes reality, but Captain Oakes designed a strong plan those centuries ago, and there's still time to locate the safeguard he held back as a last resort. The Keepers' mission isn't over until they've reached the end of the captain's trail. His school may not be wiped off the map after all.
"Change couldn't be stopped...but people always had choices, didn't they? Even if change was being forced on you...you still had a choice: You could either give up and accept someone else's ideas about change, or you could fight for the kind of changes you believed in."
—We Hold These Truths, P. 37
Ben, Jill, and especially Robert come across as more articulate and fleet of mind than believable sixth-graders should be, but their responses to the pressure of being Keepers are generally authentic. Robert's haughtiness rubs the other two the wrong way, and only Ben can keep them from wasting time squabbling. The three main Keepers have bouts of self-doubt and disillusionment, but the beauty of forming a trio is that no one has to carry more of the burden than they can bear. Ben, Jill, and Robert each show emotional growth over these five novels, though not to an unrealistic degree, and as we watch them move into their futures in the closing pages, it feels a little wistful. I'm going to miss solving riddles and mysteries beside Ben and his friends as an honorary Keeper. I've grown fond of them.
If I could rate the entire Benjamin Pratt & the Keepers of the School series, it would be closer to three stars than two. My average rating for each book was about two and a half stars, but the story is greater than the sum of its parts. Individually, I'd say book two, Fear Itself, is best, and the other four are of almost indistinguishable quality. We Hold These Truths is probably second-best because of the poignance of parting ways with the characters and their story. A big part of me wants to round my two-and-a-half star rating of We Hold These Truths to three, but I think it's okay this way, with the understanding that the series as a whole deserves to be rounded to three stars. These books have elevated my regard for Andrew Clements, and I hope to read more stories by him that touch me as they have. I promise you this: I won't forget Benjamin Pratt & the Keepers of the School.
July 26, 2016
*Thank you Simon & Schuster for sending me a copy for review*
Ben and his two friends Jill and Robert call themselves the Keepers of the School and its their mission to save their school and the hidden treasure inside from demolition and from becoming a seaside amusement park!
Knowing they can't do it on their own, the Keepers decide to gather a troop of students, their parents and even a teacher; to become their eyes and ears around the school. They'll need all the help they can get (even though they aren't sure how they feel about letting people in on their secret) to find and figure out all the clues without being caught by either of the two sneaky janitors AND before time runs out.
There's only a few days left before school ends for summer break, so the three best friends can't waste any time!
When the Keepers finally uncover all the clues and discover the treasure that was hidden HUNDREDS of years ago, they can't believe their own eyes! And they know that the only option they have is to call the police and the local museum, even it is three a.m. and they shouldn't be inside of the school. It's their only option to save their beloved school, from being torn down within just a couple of hours!
Final Verdict:
This is the first Middle Grade book I've read and reviewed, and I truly enjoyed it! I thought the characters were smart, fun and adventurous; something I look for in this kind of book. They were brave, and truly seemed to care about their school, and what would happen to it...even if it meant breaking a few small rules.
The story was mysterious and suspenseful, but still light and entertaining; perfect for any young reader, just getting into books. The ending was truly amazing, and I was excited to see what the treasure Ben, Jill and Robert found would contain.
This is the fifth book in Andrew Clements, Benjamin Pratt and the Keepers of the School series, and I would LOVE to pick up the first four installments! Definitely a good book to get a young person interested in reading!
Ben and his two friends Jill and Robert call themselves the Keepers of the School and its their mission to save their school and the hidden treasure inside from demolition and from becoming a seaside amusement park!
Knowing they can't do it on their own, the Keepers decide to gather a troop of students, their parents and even a teacher; to become their eyes and ears around the school. They'll need all the help they can get (even though they aren't sure how they feel about letting people in on their secret) to find and figure out all the clues without being caught by either of the two sneaky janitors AND before time runs out.
There's only a few days left before school ends for summer break, so the three best friends can't waste any time!
When the Keepers finally uncover all the clues and discover the treasure that was hidden HUNDREDS of years ago, they can't believe their own eyes! And they know that the only option they have is to call the police and the local museum, even it is three a.m. and they shouldn't be inside of the school. It's their only option to save their beloved school, from being torn down within just a couple of hours!
Final Verdict:
This is the first Middle Grade book I've read and reviewed, and I truly enjoyed it! I thought the characters were smart, fun and adventurous; something I look for in this kind of book. They were brave, and truly seemed to care about their school, and what would happen to it...even if it meant breaking a few small rules.
The story was mysterious and suspenseful, but still light and entertaining; perfect for any young reader, just getting into books. The ending was truly amazing, and I was excited to see what the treasure Ben, Jill and Robert found would contain.
This is the fifth book in Andrew Clements, Benjamin Pratt and the Keepers of the School series, and I would LOVE to pick up the first four installments! Definitely a good book to get a young person interested in reading!
June 22, 2015
This series was cute. I listened to them all at once, though, so it's hard to tell which parts I liked were from which volume. They're short enough that they could have been all one book anyway. Therefore, this review serves as my review for books 2-5... If you haven't read the rest of the series you should definitely do before reading book 5 (and before finishing this review!).
Things I liked:
Characters and their arc. - They grew as characters, and in their relationships. I like that Robert becomes a friend and you learn about his character and life throughout and come to empathize with him, as Ben does.
The modern technology. - 20 years from now, it might end up sounding comedic like in Nose Pickers from Outer Space (references to VCR technology and asking librarians instead of googling things! Adorable), but I think it'll hold up anyway, and it's nice to see characters using technology real kids are using.
The ending. -
Historical aspects. - historical fiction... kind of 39 Clues-esque, but I think this was better written, and less life-threatening.
Mystery. - There aren't enough real-world mysteries for this age group. (I know that it's a bit of a surreal mystery, but it's close enough.)
Things I didn't like:
Things I liked:
Characters and their arc. - They grew as characters, and in their relationships. I like that Robert becomes a friend and you learn about his character and life throughout and come to empathize with him, as Ben does.
The modern technology. - 20 years from now, it might end up sounding comedic like in Nose Pickers from Outer Space (references to VCR technology and asking librarians instead of googling things! Adorable), but I think it'll hold up anyway, and it's nice to see characters using technology real kids are using.
The ending. -
Historical aspects. - historical fiction... kind of 39 Clues-esque, but I think this was better written, and less life-threatening.
Mystery. - There aren't enough real-world mysteries for this age group. (I know that it's a bit of a surreal mystery, but it's close enough.)
Things I didn't like:
October 24, 2015
A nice, heartwarming, though fairly complex ending to a book series that should have been compiled into a single novel rather than artificially torn apart into five small chapter books. As it was targeted toward an upper elementary/middle school audience, it made no sense to butcher this moderate sized novel into five small parts. The relationship between Ben and Robert continues to be unstable/erratic, though this is not surprising as the entire 5 book series only covers a one month time-line - not a sufficient enough period to have worked out the years of competition and hostility they had accrued.
It was wonderful to see the ways the main protagonists learned how to obtain additional help with their quest project by locating trustworthy kids and adults to support and enhance their efforts. The tasks never would have been completed in time, if the original duo had insisted on tackling everything themselves, without all of the additional help provided by others.
The ending contained multiple unpredictable and unanticipated events which quickly turned the story on its ear. I really enjoyed the clues and the efforts the protagonists went through to solve them. It was a cleverly designed tale which makes me wish I had been fortunate to attend such a deeply loved, protected, and well-provided for school, during my childhood. So few individuals in my state view education as anything more than a prosaic institution that it will likely be at least another century before any type of genuinely visionary school building is built here.
It was wonderful to see the ways the main protagonists learned how to obtain additional help with their quest project by locating trustworthy kids and adults to support and enhance their efforts. The tasks never would have been completed in time, if the original duo had insisted on tackling everything themselves, without all of the additional help provided by others.
The ending contained multiple unpredictable and unanticipated events which quickly turned the story on its ear. I really enjoyed the clues and the efforts the protagonists went through to solve them. It was a cleverly designed tale which makes me wish I had been fortunate to attend such a deeply loved, protected, and well-provided for school, during my childhood. So few individuals in my state view education as anything more than a prosaic institution that it will likely be at least another century before any type of genuinely visionary school building is built here.
August 9, 2016
We Hold These Truths is the final installment of Benjamin Pratt & and the Keepers of the School. The final days of school are here and it's now or never for the Keepers to find the final safeguards.
I have been waiting to listen to this book! The Keepers needed to find two more safeguards and the end of school is days away when the last book ended. The pressure builds and Ben finds himself in a new role as manager. The Keepers' plans need to be bigger, bolder, and faster. They also need to stay on the right side of the law. I hesitate to say too much about the storyline because I don't want to give any spoilers or potential spoilers. Relationships do become tense between Keepers and between Janitors. The ending was satisfying. Clements wrapped it up nicely and gave a look to the future as well.
For previous Keeper readers, this is an exciting conclusion to the end of the series. For new Keepers, this final title is exciting as well because all the books are available! There is no need to wait! Check them all out at the library and listen to one right after the other. It's a great story for elementary students and families.
Narrator Keith Nobbs finishes the Keepers series. Thank you, Simon & Schuster for completing the series with one narrator! Nobbs performance was still enjoyable. He maintained the character voices and personalities that he began with We the Children in 2010.
Reviewed from an Audiobook Jukebox copy. Thank you, Simon & Schuster Audio!
I have been waiting to listen to this book! The Keepers needed to find two more safeguards and the end of school is days away when the last book ended. The pressure builds and Ben finds himself in a new role as manager. The Keepers' plans need to be bigger, bolder, and faster. They also need to stay on the right side of the law. I hesitate to say too much about the storyline because I don't want to give any spoilers or potential spoilers. Relationships do become tense between Keepers and between Janitors. The ending was satisfying. Clements wrapped it up nicely and gave a look to the future as well.
For previous Keeper readers, this is an exciting conclusion to the end of the series. For new Keepers, this final title is exciting as well because all the books are available! There is no need to wait! Check them all out at the library and listen to one right after the other. It's a great story for elementary students and families.
Narrator Keith Nobbs finishes the Keepers series. Thank you, Simon & Schuster for completing the series with one narrator! Nobbs performance was still enjoyable. He maintained the character voices and personalities that he began with We the Children in 2010.
Reviewed from an Audiobook Jukebox copy. Thank you, Simon & Schuster Audio!
July 26, 2016
From the author of Frindle, Ben and his friends have just three days left to save their school or it will be bulldozed before their very eyes. The conclusion to Andrew Clements’s dynamic Keepers of the School series!
The Keepers of the School—known to their friends as Ben, Jill, and Robert—have one last chance to save their school before it’s torn down to make room for a seaside amusement park. But their nemeses, Janitors Lyman and Wally, are just as determined to keep the kids out of the way and the demolition on schedule.
One way or the other, this battle is about to come to a head. When all is said and done, will the school still be standing? Or will everything the Keepers have fought for be destroyed? (Amazon Review)
* This is a really fun series for elementary aged children and would be a great choice for a book club or book talk. Andrew Clements has a nice website that has a video about how he came up with the idea for the series that would be fun to share with those reading the books. The book includes some springboards for conversations/further research about revolution-era American history.
The Keepers of the School—known to their friends as Ben, Jill, and Robert—have one last chance to save their school before it’s torn down to make room for a seaside amusement park. But their nemeses, Janitors Lyman and Wally, are just as determined to keep the kids out of the way and the demolition on schedule.
One way or the other, this battle is about to come to a head. When all is said and done, will the school still be standing? Or will everything the Keepers have fought for be destroyed? (Amazon Review)
* This is a really fun series for elementary aged children and would be a great choice for a book club or book talk. Andrew Clements has a nice website that has a video about how he came up with the idea for the series that would be fun to share with those reading the books. The book includes some springboards for conversations/further research about revolution-era American history.
February 3, 2017
This book is a great finale for the series. The writing had grown along with the characters and their relationships. All the loose ends were tied up nicely for me and there was hope written all over it. I find that it had a certain epic-ness to it which would be a total spoiler if I elaborate so that's all I'm going to say. Andrew Clements did not disappoint. I love this book and the series. I would definitely recommend it to my students and anyone who loves reading children's books.
May 22, 2017
Boys enjoyed the mystery.
Good character development as they learnedand changed through the book.
Felt sometimes like Hardy Boys, with all the things they were able/allowed to do. But gave reasons behind why parents weren't actively involved. Glad to see parents brought on board near end.
Wish each book was a completed mystery, rather than a continued unsolved mystery until the end.
Boys anxiously look for other books by this author.
Good character development as they learnedand changed through the book.
Felt sometimes like Hardy Boys, with all the things they were able/allowed to do. But gave reasons behind why parents weren't actively involved. Glad to see parents brought on board near end.
Wish each book was a completed mystery, rather than a continued unsolved mystery until the end.
Boys anxiously look for other books by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2013
If you are a fan of old time mystery series such as "Encyclopedia Brown", "Nancy Drew", "The Hardy Brothers" and the 80's film "Goonies" than you will enjoy "The Benjamin Pratt" series. Three kids set out to save their school from being turned in to a theme park. They solve clues, deal with real life issues and experience an adventure of a life time.
August 19, 2014
This was the concluding book to the Keepers of the School series. Quite a few twists and turns. The final revelation of the Captain surely changed the school forever. I enjoyed the bonding of the kids as they sought the final clues. I was surprised they they got their parents and other adults to so quickly jump on board and assist them. Nice wrap up!
September 3, 2014
Listened to the entire series as an audiobook with my 9 year son. Fun series, lots of twists and turns. As an adult, it was fun to listen to in the car, definitely not boring. Recommended reading just for fun for third, fourth grades. Unexpected ending, rather eerie, but interesting. Didn't see that one coming!
November 22, 2014
My 7-y.o. son loved this series -- we started reading them in the car on a road trip and finished three books. At first we had a book on tape, but then I bought the next two books and read them aloud myself. My husband drove 7 hours straight hanging on every word. Yes, they are kids books, but they are very interesting with fun historical backgrounds.
January 29, 2014
Maybe a 4.5, I really enjoyed this entire series. I think Clements is really masterful at enjoyable realistic fiction for middle grade students, but the books in this series make me hopeful that mysteries or mystery like books will keep coming from him.
April 5, 2014
A satisfying ending to the Keepers of the School series. There a few surprises in this book to resolve the conflict between developers and those who feel responsibility to preserve a historical school according to the wishes of the founders.
January 21, 2015
Let's just say the series was significantly more interesting when I was younger.... But it was still interesting enough to give me awesome dreams about hidden passageways and quirky old ship equipment.
June 7, 2018
Excellent series. Great ending! Good series to read. Depending on the age of the reader, some parental discussion might be necessary to explain that breaking & entering is not safe nor legal. Still a cute story. Lexile 920 - Reading Counts 10 points
August 8, 2015
Finally, all their work is worth it! Great series!
February 5, 2014
I really enjoyed this series on audio. It was a lot of fun with some serious bits mixed in, but not in a didactic gag-me way.
September 27, 2017
4.5- Great ending to the series! I might need to read these books aloud to my class...
October 19, 2014
Whew! I'm glad that's finally over! Five books and about seventy-five dollars later. This was a pretty good story, but to stretch it out so long was too much.
February 9, 2014
Excellent "did not see that coming" conclusion to this 5-book series.
January 21, 2018
Tremendous ending to a very entertaining series.
January 22, 2018
A (mostly)-good conclusion to the series. The ending was a little bit anticlimactic, but overall, this was the most creative and page-turning edition in the series.
December 2, 2019
Satisfying ending to the series. I really enjoyed listening to these audiobooks.
June 12, 2020
I am a 9 year old on my Moms name.
I loved this book because they defeated the Glenlees!!!!
I loved this book because they defeated the Glenlees!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2022
Olivia has read this entire series in just this past month. She rates this book 4.5 stars.
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