Review: The Lost Treasure of Tuckernuck by Emily Fairlie

 

 Tuckernuck Cluckers, 

brave and true!

 




Tips for solving the treasure challenge created by your crazy school founder over eighty years ago

By Laurie Madison and Bud Wallace, Grade 6

1. Be suspicious of student journalists. And maybe janitors, too.
2. Make friends with your ancient school librarian. If her blue hair freaks you out, get over it.
3. Be prepared to sing like an angel or, at the very least, like a pirate.
4. Never underestimate the usefulness of furry rodents (especially flesh-eating ones).
5. Avoid the English wing. Seriously. You don't want to go there.

Using a unique blend of notes, lists, and classic prose, The Lost Treasure of Tuckernuck tells the story of Bud and Laurie's quest to find the infamous Tutweiler Treasure. They're hot (or at least lukewarm) on the trail of clues, but time is running out—the school board wants to tear down Tuckernuck Hall. Can Bud and Laurie find the treasure before it's lost forever?

Emily Fairlie's memorable caper combines timeless mystery with humor in a treasure trove of wry wit, thrilling adventure, and undeniable heart.

(barnesandnoble.com) 
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Review
This is an enjoyable middle grade read that includes humor and mystery. With a chicken for the school mascot (the Tuckernuck Cluckers!) you know there are going to be some funny moments. Laurie and Bud are new 6th graders at this unusual school and not off to a very good start.  In fact, Laurie is planning to transfer to another school as soon as possible but coming from a family of Clucker alumni makes that tough. When she and Bud as forced into an unlikely partnership they discover the first clue to the school's hidden treasure. As an exciting adventure unfolds, Laurie develops a new outlook on the school and their quest is off at a frantic pace with a deadline looming for demolition day. 

The details of the treasure hunt are quite interesting and the characters begin to adapt and grow. The more they learn about the history of Tuckernuck Academy the more their priorities change and the less selfish their motives become. The references to famous authors and artists, as well as the illustrations and copies of notes and emails, were a fun addition. The quirky humor was my favorite element. This is an enjoyable story for adults as well as young readers! 

Author
Publisher 
Thank you to HarperCollins for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

Release date: 9/25/12
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
Pages: 256 (hardcover)
Type: Children's fiction/middle grade