Ollie and the Science of Treasure Hunting

Gr 4–6—Meet Ollie, a chubby asthmatic who is anything but athletic yet holds a talent for geocaching and getting into trouble. After helping his friend uncover valuable art, Ollie is strongly advised by the FBI to keep a low profile. Yet secrets, diamonds, and a shifty Park Ranger all play a role in Ollie's two-week "quiet" escape at Wilderness Scout camp. Initially, Ollie's outing is filled with merit badge activities and befriending his fellow scouts. The trouble really begins when Ranger Johnson asks Ollie to help him uncover pirate Long Ben Avery's long lost treasure. Dionne's novel pushes the classic adventure story into the 21st-century. While the plot initially develops slowly, the short chapters alternate between activities in Ollie's days, focusing on clues and people of interest. Environmental description paired with traditional scouting events keep readers immersed in the Boston Harbor Islands with Troop Seven. At times, the many secondary characters are difficult to keep track of, yet Ollie's quirky tent mates are authentic and memorable. Tween readers will cheer on the atypical protagonist as he outwits bullies, uncovers pirate booty, and ultimately grows into a leader among his peers. A solid scouting adventure for fans of realistic fiction.—Mary-Brook J. Townsend, The McGillis School, Salt Lake City, UT