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Book Scavenger cover illustrated by Sarah Watts
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Book Scavenger: The Alcatraz Escape, the third book in the Book Scavenger series by New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Chambliss Bertman is a page turning fictional mystery like the first two books in the series. Illustrations by Sarah Watts accompany the text. Twelve year olds Emily and James solve puzzles and explore Alcatraz Island and its historic, closed prison which are part of the National Parks. Illustrated by Sarah Watts, the novel was published in 2018 by Henry Holt and Company; today’s middle grade students would have been newborns and toddlers at the time and this will be new to them.
Ms. Bertman accurately evokes the cold, isolated, harsh conditions of Alcatraz. The main characters and many other characters have all solved puzzles in order to take a trip to Alcatraz Island where they will compete to solve another puzzle as part of a game series sponsored by publisher Garrison Griswold. While some characters own cell phones, Emily does not. Those characters who do own phones find them of limited use between low batteries, concrete and tunnels. Part of the fun is following Emily as she figures out how to communicate with James without using a cell phone. The novel has a satisfying ending and Emily and James learn who their friends are and are not.
The novel can be read as a stand alone book but it is more fun to read it with the series.
Source: Purchased. Will be reread and then given to the grandchild. At 262 pages long including an author’s note with historical explanations Book Scavenger, Escape from Alcatraz is recommended for eleven years and older.
Links:
Visit Greg Pattridge host of: Marvelous Middle Grade Monday
Visit author: Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
Visit illustrator here: Sarah Watts
Visit book designer: April Ward
Learn more about: Alcatraz Island
Previous book review: Book Scavenger: The Unbreakable Code
Previous Interview with Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
Visit your local book store: Boulder Bookstore
I read the first book in the series several years ago and really enjoyed it. I haven't read the sequels yet, but this one sounds really intriguing! And interesting how the author handled some kids having cell phones and some not, which is very realistic.
ReplyDeleteJenni, thanks for commenting. Yes, cell phones put an interesting twist in novels. Happy MMGM Labor Day.
DeleteI'm the same as Jenni having read this first but not the other two in the series. Your review has certainly encouraged me to change that. Thanks for the great review and Happy Labor Day MMGM!
ReplyDeleteGreg, thanks for visiting and Happy Labor Day MMGM to you.
DeleteI've heard of this series, but I haven't read it. I will have to check it out for my littlest. I think the puzzle aspect would appeal to her.
ReplyDeleteHi Kasey. Thanks for visiting. It is a fun series for middle grade.
DeleteI haven't heard of this series. It sound like fun. I'll try to check it out. Thanks for the post.
ReplyDeleteHi Rosi. Thanks for your comment. The series has a timeless element.
DeleteThis sounds a lot of fun, and I want to read more mysteries so I will watch out for it on this side of the water! Thanks for the recommendation!
ReplyDeleteHappy MMGM, Valinora. Thank you for visiting.
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