This is the story of a group of four eccentric children, all orphans, who save the world from dark forces. The four are chosen from dozens of respondents to a curious newspaper ad: “Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?”
The special opportunity is a mission to deal with a mysterious threat plaguing the world in the form of secret messages transmitted into people's minds via television and radio signals, arousing a sort of illusionary panic and alarm known as "the Emergency". The signals, which emanate from the Whisperer, are traced to the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened — otherwise known as L.I.V.E. (That sounds wonderful until you realize that spelled backwards it reads as EVIL.)
The institute, run by other children, is located on an island. These children are all orphans also, most kidnapped and brought to the institute. The institute is the definition of a hierarchal society with mindless memorization, strict rules, rewards for obedience and no room for privacy or secrets.
The adult mastermind is plotting to use the Whisperer to control the world. He has the ability to interface directly with the brain, to plant ideas and to erase memories. In return for cooperation, the Whisperer calms the fears and panic previously implanted. The children ultimately prevail by working together (WWG1WGA).
The Mysterious Benedict Society was a New York Times bestseller in 2017 and won the Booklist Editors' Choice: Books for Youth award in 2007, the Notable Children's Books award in 2008, and the Texas Lone Star Books award in August 2013. There are two sequels.
Postscript: Interesting that the religious order of St. Benedict of Nursia was founded in the 6th century to preserve and foster Christian civilization as the Roman Empire decayed and crumbled around it. The oldest Benedictine congregation was established at Canterbury, England in 597. Modern-day Benedictines look to develop their community as protection against modern morals by adopting a “rule for living” that turns their faith into the orienting focal point of their lives.