The Unbreakable Code

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 13, 2018

Review

Book two in the Book Scavenger series doesn't quite have the same punch as book one, but it is still an entertaining story with likeable characters and puzzles to solve. It is a book that was written for middle grade readers and has the highest appeal to that age group; it really doesn't transcend due to predictability and the need for a high level of suspension of disbelief. In this book, Emily and James are sure that their history teacher Mr. Quisling is up to something. Snooping around, they learn about the intriguing Unbreakable Code, a cipher that hasn't been solved in over a hundred years and could lead to buried treasure. Both kids have a reason for wanting the loot for their family. The villain in the story is Phoenix, a shadowy figure who likes hiding books and setting fires. Amid common things like organizing a middle school dance and worrying about family finances, Emily and James do manage to crack the heretofore unbreakable cipher. The illustrations are not very clear and don't do much to enhance the story. Here's hoping that the third book in the series (out May 2018) finds its way back to puzzle-solving and a cheerful and engaged Mr. Griswold (he is a bit player throughout this story).

Overall Book Score: good