The Powwow Treasure

Gr 2-4–In Bruchac’s newest “Powwow Mysteries” installment, twins Jamie and Marie Longbow excitedly help their grandparents prep for a powwow. Marie is on high alert, hoping for a mystery to solve as they watch the family booth while Grama and Grampa Longbow collect more items from their trailer. When a laughing stranger in old-fashioned buckskin clothes presents the twins with a treasure map, the two can’t resist. They only have an hour to locate the treasure before they have to be back at the powwow booth, which creates dynamic pacing for their adventure. The treasure map takes the twins across the grounds, where they eventually find a buried chest full of wampum beads. The mystery is heightened when they learn from their grandparents that the mysterious stranger is their ancestor Lester Laughing, and the twins realize they were speaking with the memory of someone long gone. Bold lines depict expressive faces and sparse landscapes. Color is judiciously used to highlight the details of Grama’s beadwork and Lester’s clothing. The early chapter book’s comic style makes it appear more mature, which adds to the appeal.