Rainer Maria Rilke

"Live a while in these books, learn from them what seems to you worth learning, but above all love them. This love will be repaid you a thousand and a thousand times, and however your life may turn,-it will, I am certain of it, run through the fabric of your growth as one of the most important threads among all the threads of your experiences, disappointments, and joys."--Rainer Maia Rilke


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Sunday, October 2, 2011

Young Adult Action Adventure

Huber Hill and the Dead Mans' Treasure by B.K. Bostick
(Young Adult Action Adventure)

This book has all the best of what I love in an adventure story:  kids actually getting outside and having an adventure rather than a cyber-adventure; a treasure map with ghosts and Spanish bullion and swords; an adventure that hinges upon an ancient mystery; and a great message about never giving up and the importance of keeping your word and believing in family.

Huber Hills is an oh-so-typical adolescent.  His parents are on the brink of divorce; he is competing against his smart, athletic and popular twin sister; and he is also the victim of a relentless school bully.  The only sure thing in Huber's life is his Grandpa Nick. 

When his grandfather suddenly dies, Huber is devastated.  But Grandpa Nick left something behind for his favorite grandson-a treasure map and a story of riches beyond belief.  Knowing he has to try and find the treasure, Huber enlists the help of his sister and once-bully turned friend.  They all head into the mountains for the adventure of a lifetime.  And Huber is determined that nothing will separate him from this last request of his grandfather.

What a great and fun read!  I never get tired of old-fashioned adventure stories like this.  They always take me back to my youth and the hours I would spend reading of dashing heroes and lost treasures.  These kinds of books are so few and far between.  As a teacher, I scour bookshelves and lists looking for that next great story to recommend to my students.  This one I will have no problem finding a willing and eager audience for!  A great first read by this author and the best news yet?  It's only the first in what I suspect will become a favorite new series for me.

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