Trenton Lee Stewart is a first-time children’s novelist who teaches creative writing. He graduated from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. The idea for the novel 'The Mysterious Benedict Society' came from his belief that children are often seen, rarely heard, and always underestimated! He lives with his wife in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he is inspired by his two sons!  (http://www.kidsreads.com/authors/au-stewart-trenton-lee.asp)

Mr. Stewart's interest in puzzles and his love of riddles inspired the idea for this story, and he likens the creation of the novel's characters to one long exercise in "wishful thinking."

Mr. Stewart's visit with the fifth grade classes was informative, humorous, and fun.