Ollie and the Science of Treasure Hunting by Erin Dionne

Reviewed by Lori
 
Title: Ollie and the Science of Treasure Hunting

Series: A 14 Day Mystery Series #2

Author: by Erin Dionne

Perma-Bound Catalogue #: 82274

Description: While at Wilderness camp on the Boston Harbor Islands, Ollie must navigate new friends, new enemies, and a high-stakes game of tag, so the last thing he needs is a mystery. But then Ollie meets Grey, an elusive girl with knowledge of the island’s secrets, including the legend of a lost pirate treasure, which may not be a legend after all.

Rubric Rating: Level 2 - Like It

Why I Read It:  Picked as a Read Aloud

Notes: Turns out that this is actually the second book in a series.  Generally, this didn’t affect the reading of this book with the exception that it made reference to the outcome of the first adventure.  Ollie, having spoiled an art heist in the first book, is sent away to Scout camp to escape the media frenzy that his life has become. As he cannot speak to anyone about his experiences, Ollie needs to be wary about what he says and whom he says it to.  Turns out his cabin mates are pretty cool – and they get along well. But something is going on out Lovell’s island. Turns out some people are looking for Captain Kidd’s lost treasure, and they think Ollie is just the person to find it. Along with needing to keep the treasure hunting secret, Ollie and his troop mates are all playing a big game of Gotcha!  Who knows who will get caught, and who will get got! While I liked the story, I didn’t completely connect with the characters or the story line. My son, however, found the story completely hilarious and laughed out loud – one hysterical fit ending in tears. (It involved a mysterious liquid emanating from a tree onto the head of another camper below). As a read aloud adventure story for boys this book did the trick. 

Recommended Readers:  Grades 3-8.  Boys in Particular

Themes: Mystery, Adventure, Treasure Hunting, Friendship, Intrigue, Pirates, Camping, Scouts, Secrets, Quests

Cross-Genre Links:
Movie: The Goonies
Music: Campfire Songs
Websearch: Captain Kidd
Websearch: Buried Treasure
Research: Mapping and Types of Maps
Books: Hardy Boys Adventures
Book: As Easy as Falling off the Face of the Earth

Inquiries and Activities: 


    • Why is Ollie sent to the scout camp? 
    • Have you ever been to camp? What was your favourite part?  Sing some campfire songs.
    • Go on a treasure hunt. Create a treasure map and hide treasure for your friends to find. 
    • What is geocaching? How does this skill help Ollie?
    • Why doesn’t Ollie tell the adults about what Ranger Johnson has asked him to do? 
    • Why doesn’t Derek like Ollie right from the get-go?


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