Teddy Roosevelt and the Treasure of Ursa Major

by The Kennedy Center

Imagine if you lived in the White House... Archie Roosevelt is a typical kid -- except that his dad is Teddy Roosevelt, the president of the United States, and they live in the White House! When Archie and his siblings get their hands on a treasure map, they are on the hunt. From the cluttered study to the spooky attic, the map takes them on an adventure through the White House and its history, and leads them to a treasure they'll never forget! Teddy Roosevelt and the Treasure of Ursa Major is based on a play produced by the Kennedy Center and the White House Historical Association that is touring across the country. This book is the first in a three-book series about the history of the White House and the kids who lived there, and it's a treasure hunt that you won't want to miss!

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Childrens

128 pages, Hardcover

First published January 8, 2008

Reviews

[Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this out loud to my boys (8 and 11) and found it a chore. The boys enjoyed it and always asked me to keep reading when bedtime rolled around (though I'm nearly 100% neither would have read it on his own), so it seems to hit it's target middle grade audience with it's treasure hunt/mystery/American history plot. As an adult reader (nope, not the target audience) I was truly underwhelmed.

It's not bad, but its nothing special and in my experience it doesn't have appeal beyond it's target audience. For perspective I do actually enjoy well written and engaging middle grade literature, but I'm pretty picky.

[Tricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, easy to read. Mystery with riddle like clues. Siblings cooperating (and also gently teasing each other at times). Historical facts sprinkled throughout. Probably 3rd or 4th grade level? Felt a bit simplistic for my 6th grader.


Funny bit (context: kids are supposedly reading Treasure Island but are instead deciphering clue found inside. James checks on them, asks what they're doing, they say they're discussing the book.)

(James) "I see. And what discoveries have you made so far?"
Kermit said, "Personally, I'm impressed with the author's ability to transform the hero into someone so empathetic, vis-à-vis the antagonist who, in contrast, represents man's inhumanity to man and the inability of a society to nurture itself."
I whispered to Kermit, "What did you just say?"
He whispered back, "I have absolutely no idea."

[Amy Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun historical mystery told from the perspective of Teddy Roosevelt's three children. They find a treasure map in a copy of Treasure Island and try to solve the riddles. Kids reading this book will also get info about the White House. It's the first book out of three featuring the White House and children of the presidents.

[Joenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Archie is the son of Teddy Roosevelt and is living in the white house. With two of his siblings, they go on an adventure through many rooms of the white house, trying to find buried treasure. I laughed out loud a few times. Great for those who like history!

[Amber Kuehler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute story! Would be a great way to introduce the genre of historical fiction to elementary students through a read aloud. Pretty sure the reading level is high, but advanced readers might like it.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute, kid funny and delves into some historical and presidential & White House facts. I learned a lot and would be interested i more of these types of books. The book was "commissioned by the JFK Center for Performing Arts and the White House Historical Association."

[carissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teddy Roosevelts children search for a secret treasure in the White House following clues they found in a book.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute book. My brother-in-law Ard Hoyt, illustrated this short chapter book. It is really a quick read and has engaging characters.

[Brett · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little silly at places, but fun & I liked the historical trivia.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute, fun, easy read with lots of references to history, the Roosevelt family, and the white house.....with a bit of humor.