Changing Tides

Gates Family Mystery #1

by Catherine Hapka

Samuel Gates has always been drawn to tale of brave explorers and far off lands. But stories are not enough to live on when, in 1612, the Gates family loses everything. To help restore their reputation and seek a new fortune, Samuel, along with his brother William, must leave the familiar streets of London for an uncertain world - the Americas.

As he crosses the Atlantic, Samuel meets a man who speaks of a hidden treasure somewhere in the Jamestown colony. However, before Samuel can decipher his garbled message, the man mysteriously dies. Now, with only a letter and a few cryptic clues to go on, Samuel finds himself caught up in a hunt that goes back to the very beginnings of the New World - to Roanoke and a vanished colony.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fiction, Middle Grade, Historical, Young Adult, Childrens

279 pages, Paperback

First published November 6, 2007

About the author

Catherine (Cathy) Hapka has written more than one hundred books for children and adults, as a ghostwriter for series as well as original titles, including the Romantic Comedies Something Borrowed, The Twelve Date of Christmas, and Love on Cue. She lives in Pennsylvania.

Reviews

[Evelynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I go to thrift stores, I always, always head for the books first, and usually come out with a stack of 'em in hand. I mean, who can beat the price of 50+ cents per book? So I was at a thrift store with my friend, and she pulled Changing Tides out from between two books and showed it to me. I think I remember squealing, probably looking something like this:

I am a huge fan of the movies (anxiously awaiting the outcome of National Treasure 3, followed by the potential National Treasure 4).

When I started to read it, I must say I was slightly disappointed that the story did not center around the modern-day NT heroes (Ben, Riley, and Abigail), but that disappointment was quickly squelched.

I was swept into the story as soon as Sam and William were on the Susan Constant and old Elias was telling Sam about the treasure his cousin, Isaac, had sent him a letter about. Okay, back up - I must say that, since I am an NTer (my made-up term for NT enthusiasts), I was hooked at the very first page.

Ooooh, there's so much I want to say, but I don't want to spoil it for any future readers of this book. All I can say is: It was frustrating at first (Hal Martin drove me NUTS!), and William's ignorance was wearisome. But I was pleased with the outcome, and now that I have the second book (thrift stores are amazing), I'll be reading the continuing story of the Gates Family saga very soon.

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

My rating is actually 4.5

I love the national treasure movies, and a friend of mine, who also loves the movies, recommended me this book. I'd say this book was really good. Almost every chapter ended with a cliff hanger, so it was really hard to put it down. The story reminded me so much of the movies, and in some ways I found it even better because it takes place back in history. I love story's that take place back in history.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction, mystery, or who is just crazy about National treasure. I'm look forward to reading some more of the books in this series.

[PJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

National Treasure is one of my favourite movies. This book is so well-written and captivating. The flow of adventure and suspense was perfect. I look forward to reading the rest of the series based on the movie.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good, clean, and easy read geared more towards younger readers. Set in Jamestown during the early days of American history, it is a story of forging new friendships and searching for an ancient treasure. I look forward to reading the rest of the series!

[J.M. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had hoped this would be a teen book but it's written for a younger audience (I'd say middle school, 6th grade or so). Not badly written, just too young for me and a bit predictable, so I'm not inclined to finish it.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was a cute book that I'll definitely recommend to my kids. I liked the incorporation of historical learning w/the (albeit silly at times) search for treasure. Now I'm off to read book 2!

[Junessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice historical setting of Jamestown for this treasure hunt. Fans of the movies will find this enjoyable to read.

[Dee Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone had already mentioned, this book is hard to put down. Each chapter's endings compells you to flip to the next one right away. A very effective tickler (is that a word) of curiosity. I started this because I was interested in a light mystery novel, to take a break from my previous read which was a heavy thriller. I know it was a part of a series but I didn't think I would want to read the one next to this. When I finished this, though, I WAS TOTALLY WRONG. I am now scouring the internet for ebooks of the whole series, to be safe and sure when I read the next one. It's interesting, I never thought I'd be attached to it, at the start. Anyway, it also is very informative! It had gotten me interested in reading on the colony's history. Also, I am not a native English speaker and I encountered a lot of words in this book that enhanced my vocabulary. Great book overall.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun little low-stakes speed read. I was curious how they'd adapt the National Treasure style of story to print and it was enjoyable enough albeit a bit forgettable. Simple historical fiction, but the YA aspect of -BIG PROBLEM-, -FULL SOLUTION- within a page or two max was tiresome and kept me from getting as invested. The coincidental "bad guy just happened to be waiting behind the tree" trope got too much play as well.

[Denise]

Didn't finish this one

[Starry K]

found this on a bookshelf at home as I was packing. its a young teen book so I don’t know why I read it, but i’m not gonna rate it bc that’s too harsh- I’m not the target audience in any way

[Zanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

honestly? better than i was expecting. absolutely was not prepared for the gates family in jamestown. but okay.

[Jia · Rating 5 out of 5]

National Treasure: A Gates Family Mystery
by Catherine Hapka


Almost every family have secrets, ones that they share to their future generations of their family. Ever notice that you have to unlock the secrets and mysteries hidden deep within the icons of American history?
Imagine that you are a kid who have to take up all the pressure and expectations in order to help solve your family's biggest question mark.
Ben Gates was a boy had to carried all the responsibilities to find this treasure that was passed by his great grandfather.
In National Treasure, Ben gates was man who was passionate about history ever since he was a little boy. Gates was told by his grand father about the family secret of a treasure and Gates agree to take the responsibilities for finding this treasure. As Gates did additional research on the clue that was passed on to the family, he notice the location to find the next clue. As clues gather up together, Gates notice that the only way he could find out where the treasure is, would be looking at the Declaration of the independence. Wait that's impossible ! Maybe its not........
Would Gates Find the treasure that his family went after for many generations? The only way you can find out is by reading the actual book. It would surprise you by how a historic fiction book could be this fascinating. Don't think twice, get this book from the book store near your neighborhood.

[Lizz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked it. The story was always fun, and flowed through out the whole book. I only put it down because I couldn't keep my eyes open anymore. I can't wait til my son is old enough to read this I'm positive he'll enjoy it. For a children's book it's very well thought out and adventurous. I think adults without kids can still enjoy reading it, especially if you are a fan of the movies - though as an adult read the characters would need a little more follow through but for a children's book I think most kids would be happy with the characters' development. What made me like this book more was the strong use of the real history of the first settlement in Virginia (which disappeared in real life along with the first english person to be born in the New World) and of Jamestown, and the fact that at the end of the story there is a Post Script which tells you more tidbits about the real history used in the book. It's a great read for children and adults alike and could be a good way to get kids interested in looking up history.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy reading this book! Unlike most Disney products, this was actually quite excellent and I only found a couple very minor things I could nit-pick at if I really wanted to, which is amazing to say the least (I was expecting all manor of things including ghosts and magic, but thankfully found nothing like that!). This is the first book in a series so there are lot's of adventures to enjoy!

I highly recommend this book and it's series to all mystery lovers, children who hate reading (especially boys), history adventurers, and anyone who has enjoyed the National Treasure films. This is a wonderful CLEAN family book series! You will not find a word-for-word story like the movie (though there are two other books not in this series based on the movies), nor does this compare to Sherlock Holmes in it's mystery and codes, but I know I for one love a good tale and one that excites the reader for a love of history. :) This book does just that.

[Matt town · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was more fun than I was expecting! If you are anticipating a direct Tie-In to the National Treasure movie, this won't be it, but of course, the main character is a member of the Gates family, just many, many years in the past. This book takes place during the early days of Jamestown and settlements in North America and features a treasure hunt (duh). This book is mostly pretty culturally aware and delivers a good story without glorifying early settler violence as many stories set around this era tend to. Definitely would recommend to people who are fans of the clue by clue National Treasure set-up, and I have fond memories of reading this even months after the fact. I will read the next one very soon.

[C.O. Bonham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good historical novel set during the colonization of Jamestown. Sam and William Gates are Brothers off to seek their fortune in the new world. But for Sam his fortune won't be found in back breaking labor, like his future descendant Sam is after treasure. The National Treasure.

Loved it; lots of action, adventure and well researched history. Anyone who enjoyed the two National Treasure Movies will like this story.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an exciting historical novel. It has awesome facts as well as mystery, it's a great page turner, I'm actuality surprised that there aren't more people reading this book.
Your kids if they like mystery and history this is the book for them. I highly recommend it. Everyone has families secret, but when it has to do w/ history it's even more cool to read.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice story with some good references to American history and the early colonists. The book was similar to the movies in that one clue deciphered only lead to another clue, and there were action-packed scenes and a budding romance. A good story for the juvie audience and it would have been great for Q to read.

[Arnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm surprised this book hasn't been reviewed. It was suggested to my nine-yr old boy by a lady at BN. She was right on! This is a fabulous, exciting, historical novel that is perfect for boys who need a lot of action. As an adult, I really enjoyed it as well. I would highly recommend it!

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was pretty good. I was hoping for a bit more excitement though; i did enjoy how the clues were all brought together and the mystery part was quite intriguing too ; Downer-there is reference to drinking & to swearing ( One actually word is mentioned. ) Hence, the three stars.

[Leo · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is soooooooo cool!!!!! its kinda confusing at some parts, im probably gonna have to read it again before i can get all of it. but it was still cool.

[Taylor, ;D Kabrick !]

I just love Nicholas Cage. XD!

[Sherif · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a wonderful story and I advise anyone to read it they will really like it

[Nikki Howson]

Saw this recommended by a few people who had read "Maze of Bones". Might give it a try next.

[Doris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun easy read with enough history to make it seem real without so much that it got boring.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Rachel and Jessica for this book. It was a fun read!

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meant to go along (prequel sort of) with the National Treasure movies. Not bad, but not great.

[Isabelle Chunaco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its an amazing book. I learned a lot of information about it, how Anglo-American Literature started :D

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining!