To me, The Mysterious Benedict Society is one of the more underrated children's book/series.
I was fond of it as a kid, and the puzzles were so brilliant to me then that they stuck with me.
Rereading it as an adult also gives me a greater appreciation for each of their strengths and flaws. Reynie is a natural leader and tactician, but he also doubts himself very much. Sticky is a prodigy, but he's insecure and fearful. Kate is independent and resourceful, yet she grew up feeling she had to be that way because she was abandoned as a child. Finally, Constance is stubborn and insensitive, but she is incredibly loyal. The first book especially highlights these traits of theirs and even lauds them as brilliant, flawed, and still children after all.
This book/series makes me feel accepted. I especially resonate with Reynie. The most touching scene for me was when Reynie was ready to give up, if not for the message sent — "Remember the white knight." It really shows how Mr. Benedict, as short as their time together was, understands who he is. It really makes you root for Mr. Benedict's cause, and mostly, to root for Reynie and admire that he still went on even when it was tempting not to.
by polobutts