“A fortune in gold, a possible curse, unexplained deaths, missing treasure maps and missing people... The story of the Lost Dutchman's Mine has them all and seasoned author Elise Broach (Shakespeare's Secret, Masterpiece) has chosen this fascinating piece of western lore around which to build her new middle school trilogy.
Set in central Arizona, the first of that trilogy - Missing on Superstition Mountain - introduces us to the Barker brothers - 11 year old Simon (the science lover with know-it-all tendencies), 10 year old Henry (the quiet reader who questions his own bravery) and 6 year old Jack (the feisty one with a quick temper). The Barker's have just moved to Superstition, Arizona from Chicago and, while they like the big old house left to their family by their (very interesting) Great Uncle Hank Cormody, the fact that nearly all of their neighbors in this much smaller new town seem to be away on vacation has left them bored. That changes quickly, though, when they chase their runaway cat up Superstition Mountain and come across a trio of human skulls neatly lined up on a canyon ledge. This discovery, along with the dire but vague warnings about the dangers of the mountain that they seem to hear from every adult they run into, leads the boys into an investigation of the area. Along with their neighbor, Delilah Dunworthy - who is also new to Superstition - they learn of the mysterious deaths and disappearances the area is famous for and about the legendary Lost Dutchman's Mine.
The stories that swirl around the Lost Dutchman's Mine vary considerably and Broach appears to be weaving elements of several versions into her appealing tale. In the Barker boys and in Delilah, she has given us characters who are resourceful, adventurous and who have the ability to be a bit reckless without being stupid (a sometimes fine distinction). Even though I felt they needed more depth - and I certainly hope to see them developed more fully in the next two books - I still liked these kids, particularly Henry, whose thoughts we're most often given access to.
The story itself is relatively familiar - kids make discovery, try to investigate on their own, run into some danger, make more discoveries. It's worked for years and it again works well here. Broach moves things along at a nice clip and readers are left wanting more, just as they should at the end of the first book in a series. Overall, Missing on Superstition Mountain has a rather old-fashioned feel to it, different in tone, but similar in feel to Jeanne Birdsall's wonderful Penderwicks series and very reminiscent of books I read and loved as a child and am happily sharing with my grandchildren now. I'm happy to have it as part of my collection and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
A good pick for boys and girls; may appeal to reluctant readers; could well spark an interest in western lore and legend.
Recommended.
Note: Artwork by Antonio Javier Caparo.
”
Mary wrote this review Thursday, June 23, 2011.
(
reply |
permalink )
