Title: Book Scavenger
Author: Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
First published June 2, 2015
354 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781627791151 (ISBN10: 1627791159)
Rating: 4.16
Overview
A quest for treasure. A mysterious map.
A race against time . .
. .
Meet twelve-year-old Alex, who loves puzzles and mysteries. When his family moves to a new city, he discovers a strange book that leads him to a thrilling adventure.
The book is a map that unlocks a secret game called Treasure Hunt, in which clues are hidden all over the city. But the game’s creator, a reclusive millionaire, has vanished without a trace.
Alex and his new friends must solve the puzzles and find the treasure before the game is lost forever. But they are not alone in their quest, as dangerous foes lurk in the shadows, ready to stop them at any cost.
Will Alex and his team be able to crack the code and claim the prize before it’s too late?
About the Author
Meet Jennifer Chambliss Bertman, a bestselling author whose works have garnered widespread critical acclaim. Her Book Scavenger series, which has been translated into over a dozen languages, was selected as an Indie Next Top Ten pick, an Amazon Book of the Year, and a Bank Street College Book of the Year, among other accolades.
Additionally, it has been nominated for more than twenty state awards and honor lists. The highly anticipated SISTERHOOD OF SLEUTHS is set to release in Fall 2022.
Jennifer’s talents extend beyond the world of middle-grade fiction. Her debut picture book, A GOOD DEED CAN GROW, illustrated by Holly Hatam, is scheduled for publication in 2023.
With an MFA in creative writing and experience in various roles working with children and in publishing, Jennifer is a skilled storyteller with a passion for inspiring a love of reading in young people. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, she now resides in Colorado with her family.
For more information about Jennifer Chambliss Bertman and her books, check out jenniferchamblissbertman.com and bookscavenger.com.
Editoral Review
Book Review: Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
Jennifer Chambliss Bertman’s Book Scavenger is a thrilling adventure that combines the excitement of a mystery with the love of books. Published on June 2, 2015, this middle-grade novel is suitable for ages 8-12.
The story takes place in San Francisco, where 12-year-old Emily and her family have just moved in. Emily is a book lover and a puzzle enthusiast, and little does she know, her new home is full of both.
Her family runs a used bookshop, and Emily is introduced to a book scavenger hunt game called Book Scavenger, where players hide books in public places and post clues for others to find them. Emily and her new friend James, a fellow scavenger and puzzle enthusiast, team up to solve clues and find the books hidden around San Francisco.
One day, Emily discovers a mysterious book, which turns out to be a copy of a rare and valuable book called The Gold-Bug, which contains a cipher leading to a treasure. But when Emily picks up the book, a suspicious man tries to steal it from her, which sets off a chain of events that puts Emily, James, and the book in danger.
The two friends must decipher the code and find the treasure before the dangerous man gets to them first. Bertman does an excellent job of weaving together elements of mystery, adventure, and puzzle-solving in this novel.
The book is cleverly written, and the puzzles are engaging and challenging, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The characters are relatable, and their friendship is heartwarming.
Additionally, cultural and historical references are scattered throughout the book, making it an educational read. For instance, The Gold-Bug by Edgar Allan Poe is a centerpiece of the story, and readers will learn about Poe’s connection to San Francisco and his interest in cryptography.
The book also touches on issues like bullying, family relationships, and the power of communities. However, there are some weaknesses to the novel, particularly in character development.
Some of the secondary characters feel underdeveloped, and Emily’s parents, who run a bookshop, are not as strongly present as they could be. Overall, Book Scavenger is a delightful read for middle-grade readers.
Those who appreciate puzzles, codes, and treasure hunts will undoubtedly enjoy the book, as will anyone with a love of reading. Book Scavenger is an excellent recommendation for parents, librarians, and teachers and receives four out of five stars.
