The Recommended Reading Order
The best way to read the Benjamin Pratt & the Keepers of the School series is in chronological order. Because the books follow a single continuous mystery with recurring villains, cliffhangers, and character developments, reading them out of order will spoil the plot. Start with the first book and follow the adventure to the end:
- We the Children (2010)
- Fear Itself (2011)
- The Whites of Their Eyes (2013)
- In Harm's Way (2013)
- We Hold These Truths (2013)
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
For this series, the publication order matches the chronological timeline perfectly. Every book picks up where the previous one left off, continuing the school-year countdown to save Oakes School from being demolished. You do not need to worry about any prequels, spin-offs, or side stories.
The Story Behind the Series
Written by Andrew Clements—the beloved author of Frindle—and beautifully illustrated by Adam Stower, this series captures the essence of a New England coastal town mystery. The plot centers on sixth-grader Ben Pratt, who is given a mysterious coin by a dying janitor, launching an alliance of kids known as the Keepers of the School. Together, they must decode historical clues left by the school's founders to prevent developers from turning Oakes School into a commercial amusement park.
While the series was widely advertised during its initial run as a six-book series, Andrew Clements ultimately brought the story to a satisfying resolution in five books. The final book, We Hold These Truths, wraps up the core mystery of the Oakes School defense.