The Treasures of Weatherby

by Zilpha Keatley Snyder

Three-time Newbery Honor winner Zilpha Keatley Snyder combines a cast of quirky characters with an eerie old mansion to create a spellbinding tale of mystery and magic.Harleigh J. Weatherby IV feels misunderstood. At age twelve he is about as tall as a six-year-old, and no one lets him forget it. At school the bullies nicknamed him “Hardly.” Now he is homeschooled at the Weatherby mansion, where strict Aunt Adelaide is always on his case about something.Then Harleigh meets Allegra. When she literally flies over the walls of Weatherby and into Harleigh’s life, the two form an unlikely friendship. Allegra is fascinated by the enormous Weatherby mansion, and against Harleigh’s orders, sneaks inside. Together they discover that someone is trying to find—and steal—the long-lost Weatherby treasure. Will Harleigh and Allegra be able to foil the villain and save Weatherby House?

Genres: Mystery, Middle Grade, Fiction, Fantasy, Childrens, Adventure, Juvenile

228 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Zilpha Keatley Snyder was an American author of books for children and young adults. Three of Snyder's works were named Newbery Honor books: The Egypt Game, The Headless Cupid and The Witches of Worm. She was most famous for writing adventure stories and fantasies.

Reviews

[Mir · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a pretty disappointing book, especially coming from an author like Snyder, who has demonstrated in the past that she can write tight plot and complex characters. I don't mind that the mysterious-old-house-with-secrets plots is overused (as she admits herself) but I don't see why she bothered when she does so little with it. The house and family history are only sketched in vaguely, as a backdrop. Harleigh was all right, if uninteresting, but Allegra was really annoying. I guess Snyder stuck in the home-schooling plot line to explain why the poor protagonist would bother being friends with such an irritating and rude person. Also, I was irked that Snyder kept emphasizing how Allegra was really interested in the house and asked all these prying questions, and physically forced her way inside to explore, and then NEVER GIVES A REASON for her interest. In the end there just wasn't enough to this book! If it were possible to give half stars I'd give this a half less.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Typical Zilpha Keatley Snyder: gives the hint and promise of something really fascinating or riveting...and then nothing happens. Ever. And the book ends leaving you feeling like you've been wandering around aimlessly for no reason at all. Always with questions left unanswered. And often leaving you wondering, "Wait, what was I expecting to happen anyway?"

In fact, she even does this to her character in this book and I had to laugh at the words she wrote: "Many long, anxious minutes crept by while Harleigh watched and listened and waited for something terrible to happen.

But nothing did. Whatever or whoever it was apparently had decided not to open the door - must not have even tried to, since there was no lock, and whoever it was could have walked right in."

This is pretty much a metaphor for the book. Many long minutes of breathlessly reading (at first, anyway), waiting for something mysterious and exciting to happen. And then nothing ever does. And the author apparently never even decided to bother to write a good book, didn't even try to, apparently, because she had all the fixings and could have walked right into a fascinating story. But she never does.

[Janeen-san · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wish I could give this book 2 and a half stars, but I can't. This book was okay, not the best book I've ever read--unfortunately. This book could have been so much better! You'd think Harleigh's unusual size would have something to do with the plot...but no. Even the maze could've been an incredibly mysterious place, like the place that the merry-go-round in The Thief Lord was hidden.

The 'plot' in this book was almost invisible until the middle of the book, and even then Harleigh and Allegra seemed unconcerned. Harleigh said himself the treasure didn't exist, but then he looks for it. And Junior--I didn't get an uneasy feeling when he was mentioned, he just didn't seem dangerous....he found the Weatherby treasure; he should have been a hero.
I don't recommend this book, read the Percy Jackson books or The Thief Lord, both are definitely better than this book, the author could've done a better job.

[Windy2go · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love love love Zipha Keatley Snyder, and this book, published in 2007, did not disappoint. A wonderful adventure for kids ages 8-13, I read it in great gulps with my 9-year-old son, who regularly begged me for just one more chapter. Written from the perspective of a 12-year-old protagonist, there were a few moments where I, as an adult reader, was frustrated with the short-sightedness of the narrator. But there was nothing offensive or inauthentic about the story or the characters, and their adventure was filled with worthwhile learning moments and a lot of honest discussions of feelings (great examples of emotional intelligence). Loved it! Must go to a library and check out all the classic old Zilpha books and binge read them, too.

[Meghan Arthur · Rating 2 out of 5]

The last 50 pages are pretty good, but the first 150 pages are SLOW. I like what this book wants to be, but it doesn't achieve its goal. The old house setting is not described in a way the gives you a clear mental picture and the characters are pretty flat until the very end.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Harleigh J. Weatherby IV, 12, has a mighty big name, but a diminutive size. He's so small other kids mistake him for a 6 year-old. He lives in the Weatherby Mansion with Aunt Adelaide, his father Harleigh III, and a host of other close and distant relatives. The mansion is not run-down, but it needs repairs. The gardens are in special need of tender loving care. One day, while Harleigh IV is out on the grounds, he meets Allegra... a stranger his age. He wonders how on earth she's managed to make it on the Weatherby property. That's when she tells him she flies. Yeah, ok.

The two become friends, if for no other reason than they are both lonely. Allegra wants desperately to get inside and explore the mansion, but Aunt Adelaide insists that no strangers enter. Allegra and Harleigh encounter some mysterious noises, people, and events and discover there is a Weatherby Lost Treasure to be found. And, find it, they do. After Allegra mysteriously leaves, he finds out that she really can fly, but not like you think!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt very blah about this one. Actually, I had second thoughts before I started as to whether or not I actually wanted to read it. I don't know what it was exactly; I guess there wasn't enough to the story for me. Harleigh is a descendant of an odd family, the Weatherbys, and they live in a huge old house. One day he meets a girl, Allegra, who has alledgedly flown over the very tall fence around the house. They become friends, sort of, and she is very curious about the house. At the same time, there is some sort of treasure hunting going on. I guess the description makes it sound like there's a lot going on, but there really wasn't. Pretty disappointing. And the story with Allegra very much fell flat at the end.

[Jean · Rating 2 out of 5]

The mysteries at Weatherby House and young Harleigh Weatherby the Fourth's ensuing adventures are at at first intriguing, enjoyable, and even suspenseful, but the last three chapters seem to fizzle out. The resolutions are too pat, or conveniently, awkwardly ambiguous. A few twists to the two-dimensional characters would have made the overall story much more appealing. (There is a bad guy who is big, ugly and stupid...a fat man who is gluttonous...and most disappointing of all, the small young protagonist with a medical condition can't face his teasing classmates until he PHYSICALLY changes.)

[Joey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice little adventure story even though the adventure never left the yard. Some may say boring and nothing exciting happened but it was very well written and we finally got some suspense near the end as the mystery slowly built and we were finally rewarded with a suitable ending. The book is so short it's not a long wait anyway. This is a book I will keep in my library for my son to read when he is older (he's six weeks now). I would recommend it for any young reader who wants a quick little mystery to read.

[Kaethe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, now I see why everyone loves her so much. This is a house-is-a-character story, and, oh, what a character. I'm in total house-love. A very satisfying ending as well.

[Jane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, it's no Famous Stanley Kidnapping Case.

[Elinor Loredan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was so refreshing after I tried and failed to get into several dense classics. The best part of the story is the atmosphere. In the foreword Snyder apologizes for writing another "mysterious old house" story, but if she had written a hundred more such stories, I would have read them all. I never tire of that setting. In addition to the house, there is the garden, maze, and suggestion that there are ghosts lurking about. The second best part is Harleigh's growth (not just physical but character-wise). He goes from seeing everyone as a threat to be either intimidated or avoided to taking an interest in those around him. This change is mainly due to Allegra's influence. She is curious and compassionate and sees right through Weatherby's pretensions of superiority. Which one of us has not put on facades to hide our deepest insecurities?

The drawback of the book is that I am left wanting more, not so much in an exciting way as a frustrating way. When the book ended I thought the rest was left out by mistake. After so much building of anticipation in the beginning, the ending was a bit of a letdown. Are there actually ghosts in the house and maze? Can Allegra truly fly? Who stood at Harleigh's window waiting for someone who never came? I thought there would be more to Sheila's part in the story as well. And does Harleigh let go of his desire to be important and to be in charge of the manor when he grows up? Junior was also a convenient, obvious villain. He was set up to be a "bad guy" from the start, and I was not at all surprised when he tries to steal the treasure. Another thing I did not quite like was the way Adelaide's stroke is treated like a good thing at the end. I know she was rather nasty, but I feel bad for her having a stroke and losing her ability to talk.

I still heartily enjoyed this book and do not regret reading it. I will probably return to it sometime.

I tend to feel guilty for loving "children's" books the best, but I try to shake off the feeling, because they are just as valuable as "adult" books and are often more moving. They also often contain that sense of wonder and magic that adults actually need even more than children. This is just that sort of book--one that makes me dream and that keeps me thinking about it when I am not reading it.

[Chazzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harleigh J. Weatherby IV is the last of the Weatherby family. He lives in Weatherly Castle under the eye of his Aunt Adelaide. His Uncle Edgar is his tutor. His mother died when he was born and his father travels all the time for business. There are other Weatherby relations that live in the massive castle for free, per the will left by the first Weatherby. Aunt Adelaide, being the oldest, makes the rules for everyone.

It’s not a fun life for a 12 year old boy…until he finds Allegra, a waif of a girl, on the property. When asked how she got over the high, sword-tipped fence that surrounds the property, she replied “I flew!”

Allegra brings life and adventure to Harleigh’s dull and lonely lift. Fascination about the castle and its residents, the hidden treasure is there one? The gardens and the famous maze.

Harleigh find there is so much to discover and learn about his world, while trying to learn more about Allegra and where she comes from.

I’ve read a fair number of Zilpha Keatley Snyder’s books and will read more. Her style of story-telling and characters provides a very good read for kids and adults.

[Janice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Harleigh lives on his family estate with extended relations and his great aunt. He is being groomed to be the next leader of the family, but he’s one strike away from his aunt shipping him off to military school. He spends his days avoiding his uncle (tutor) and exploring the property. While exploring he meets Allegra who seems to have the ability to fly.

Harleigh is small for his age; has undergone many operations to help his physical being; was bullied when he went to the local public school. Harleigh is convinced the rumor is true — that there is, indeed, a family fortune hidden on the grounds. He gradually begins to suspect one of the distant relatives of trying to swipe it.

With Allegra’s and several other relatives’ help, he gets to the bottom of it.

Interesting, but I don’t think it will keep kids today very interested. Unless it was a graphic novel.

[WIZE FOoL · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read this one with my daughter and we really had to push through to get to the end of the book. It started off so well and we thought it was going to be so deep and interesting but then the story seemed to get dryer and dryer. But we slogged through it and finished it.
A rich smart kid has to stay in the family mansion because he's not well and then meets a girl who claims to be able to fly! Yet there is also a mystery within the home with all his family.
Will the family treasure ever be found?

[Hannah Belyea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Despite being heir to the grandiose Weatherby mansion, where he and other family members put up with Aunt Adelaide's many, many rules, Harleigh IV, a boy of stunted stature, finds life dull - until he meets Allegra, a supposedly flying girl whose curiosity may lead to finding hidden treasure. Snyder will lure young readers in with intriguing mystery and interesting locale, though its meager culmination of tiring characters and disjointed payoffs results in a humdrum read. What draws this strange girl to the mansion...and why does Harleigh find himself in turn drawn to her schemes?

[Katelyn Kuipers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was disappointed with the resolution. Also, secretly hoped Allegra was a ghost of one of the direct descendants and would have a positive impact on Aunt Adelaide. The story was told well, I just didn't love how it all went down.

[Ashlea Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first 2/3 of this book were really boring. Harleigh was a selfish jerk. The last 75 pages redeemed the book a bit. Harleigh did grow as a character. I doubt I will reread this book but might keep it around for my kids.

[Julie Awerkamp · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was okay, but I was never really able to get into it. The suspenseful parts of the book wrapped up too neatly, and there were other loose ends that never resolved. It was fine for an afternoon read, but I probably wouldn't pick off the shelf again.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!
I loved two books by this author that I read in grade school (The Changeling and The Egypt Game), but only recently rediscovered her and learned that she wrote *many* more books. I’ve read several of them, and have never been disappointed.

[Amanda B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my favorite Snyder book. 3.5 stars.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining and well-written. I wish I could explore Weatherby house myself.

[Cari Piatt · Rating 2 out of 5]

We gave up on this one. I didn’t really enjoy reading it aloud but we will keep it on the shelf for if they want to read it individually later

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The main character, Harleigh, is not hugely likable, but the idea of an enormous house - grand and old and filled with secrets - was fun enough to keep me reading.

[Angie Titus · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

I thought this one was kind of boring. I wish we'd gotten the story that was promised in the summary.

[LobsterQuadrille · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars

I'll start this review with the good things about The Treasures of Weatherby before I get to sink my teeth into a good ranting session: for one thing, the story is suspenseful and atmospheric enough to make it a quick read. The setting is intriguing even though it is nowhere near developed enough. I liked that Harleigh IV came to appreciate the people around him more and to take more interest in things beyond his own problems.

Now for my many, many questions:
1) WHY WASN'T ALLEGRA A GHOST??? For pity's sake, she is hinted to have supernatural powers, wears the same ragged dress all the time, and is extremely vague about her background. It would make perfect sense for her to be some otherworldly being, but instead we get the shocking twist that she is... from a family of circus acrobats. Seriously, that's it. There is no reason why this needed to be mysterious at all. The way Allegra talked you would have thought her parents were spies, or mobsters, or in witness protection! Why on earth would she feel compelled to hide something this anticlimactic?

2) What was the point of Harleigh's unnamed medical condition? I thought there would be some meaningful payoff or explanation behind his being so small. But it ended up being so irrelevant that he could have been eight feet tall or had webbed feet and it would have made no difference to the story.

3) What about Aunt Adelaide? Did she actually just have a stroke and spend the rest of her days in bed staring at the TV? Is this supposed to be some kind of twisted happy ending because she no longer bosses everyone around?

4) Why the revelation about Harleigh the First? Like Harleigh Four's stunted growth, the fact that his ancestor was a greedy robber baron has no bearing on the plot whatsoever.

5) Why even have a villain? This isn't the kind of story that needs one, and it felt like he was thrown in as an afterthought. Junior as the baddie was underdeveloped, cartoony, and far too easily vanquished to add anything of value to the book. The only purpose he serves is to save Harleigh and Allegra the trouble of finding the treasure themselves. It's like the publishers thought kids couldn't properly follow a story without some hulking brute to pit the child-heroes against.

It pains me to rate The Treasures of Weatherby this low because it's not all bad, and I know full well that Zilpha Keatley Snyder could do so much better than this mediocre and wishy-washy story. She even wrote better books with mysterious old houses: The Velvet Room, The Headless Cupid, and even Libby on Wednesday are far more satisfying!

[SarahC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harleigh J. Weatherby the Fourth, age 12, in no way has the perfect life. Life-long health problems have greatly slowed his growth, so he is only about half the size of many kids his age. His only parent, Harleigh the Third, is more interested in traveling the globe than spending time with his son. Harleigh Four is left in the care of extended family at Weatherby House, the huge but costly mansion he will inherit.

There are many odd relatives living in all the many wings of Weatherby House, but Harleigh feels alone. He is tutored by well-meaning Uncle Edgar, but he has no friends.

Almost by magic the fairy-like young girl Allegra appears one day on the grounds of the manor. For Harleigh, things begin to seem a bit unreal at that point as Allegra encourages the uncovering of the old yew maze, the exploring of the mansion (where self-appointed ruler Aunt Adelaide has forbid non-Weatherby's), and the investigation of a crime-in-the-making - someone is planning to steal the Weatherby Treasure.

Strangely when elements of ordinary, real life creep back into the story, Harleigh finds solutions to some of this worries, not only solving the mystery but seeing that, even if life doesn't turn out perfect, things do change over time.

This is a children's story with mystery, a struggling young hero, and the less-than-storybook ending, which makes it more relatable. It should appeal to around the middle elementary reader at 3rd or 4th grade. This is the first Zilpha Keatley Snyder novel I have read, so if you recommend others of her long list of books, please leave me a comment.

[Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haleigh is a twelve year old boy who lives in a mansion that is in need of repair with the relatives of Harleigh Weatherby the first. He is small for his age and recovering from an operation that is supposed to help him to grow. He is lonely in a house full of adults. Allegra flies over his fence and they begin to have adventures. She helps Harleigh to discover what it is to be young and teaches him about friendship.

[Pandora · Rating 1 out of 5]

I remember as a kid liking The Egypt Game or I least I think I did. As an adult though Snyder leaves me a bit cold. The begining of this story starts out strong with Harleigh meeting the strange Allegra. Towards the middle though Snyder's narration begins to intrude. She has a style that I find a bit too much talking down to kids and very irriating to read as an adult. The ending - the wrap up - also for my tastes went on too long after the climiax and was a little too neat.

[Kidsbookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story - I've been looking for good books for one of my younger kids who doesn't like super scary, super suspenseful books, and this one is a winner! Now, to get her opinion -

It's been hard for me to get into reading books for younger audiences now that my kids are older and I'm not pleased with my impatience level. I'm working on it, but this story kept my interest, and even kept me up a bit late on a couple of nights!