The Slingshot's Secret

by Benjamin Conlon

Kids shouldn’t build zip-lines. Everyone knows that. Zip-lines are dangerous. Caves too. They should stay away from caves. And secret passages? Don’t get me started on those! Above all, kids shouldn’t go picking up strange slingshots that tumble off garbage trucks. If they do, they might accidentally get entangled in a mystery, and I think we can all agree that kids have no business getting tied up in mysteries. Come to think of it, kids shouldn’t even read this book. It’ll just give them ideas…

Inside the The Slingshot's Secret are clues leading to a real life hidden treasure. Read the story. Find the clues. Hunt for the treasure.

276 pages, Paperback

Published July 11, 2018

About the author

Benjamin Conlon grew up in New England and spent much of his childhood exploring the woods surrounding his hometown. After college, he began teaching elementary school. He wrote The Slingshot’s Secret as a reminder that even in a world filled with technology, adventure abounds.

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. The suspense continuously had me wondering what was going to happen next. This book is suited for 5th-10th graders, parents, and teachers. I loved the focus on adventure and the fact that technology is not always necessary, especially for kids. Conlon emphasizes that kids should get out there and have a fun adventure. I can't wait to use the book in my classroom during book groups. Add it to your summer list!

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every kid should read this book. It completely changed my son. After reading it he started building a zipline in the back yard and almost completely stopped playing video games. We'll see if it lasts...

[Mark Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

Middle School Target audience, quick read

2/3rds of the way through, I almost stopped reading, but didn't have anything else to read at the time so I finished it. This first book was free on Amazon Kindle unlimited, but the story doesn't finish. It certainly doesn't seem worth it to me to pay for any more in the series.

If you've got a grade school reader, they might really enjoy it, if you don't have to pay for it. I think it may seem a little juvenile for older audiences.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book after reading an excellent article the author wrote and because I am a teacher. This book is now part of my classroom library for my 6th grade students and I can’t wait until they start reading it and we can discuss it together.

[Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. My son read it in two days and then wanted to go out and build all the things described in the story. He's eager for the sequel. I read it too and thought it was great. Wish there was an audiobook.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tells the story of three friends as they try to find an adventure in the present day. They seem ready to give up when one uncovers an old slingshot. This leads them on a quest for treasure. It's a great book. I liked it a lot.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I thought the writing was great and the story was better. The author has created a magnificent story about growing up and looking for excitement and then finding it. Going to give it to my nephew.

[KateThibault · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing so is the author!

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

My twelve year old son read this book and loved it. It is an old fashioned adventure with a clear villain and clear hero. Great message. Five stars.

[Annah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Such a great book! I can’t wait to re-read it with my son in a few years. Also, hoping there is a sequel.

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my son’s (age 11) favorite book of the last year. He read it at least three times.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! Can’t wait for second book.

[Tom Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book for middle schoolers

[Bea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book. I loved it!!!!

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I got it for my birthday and read it in three days. I think there might be a second book coming and I cannot wait. There are not books like this anymore!

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! My son made a zipline like the one in the book.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book to my fifth grade class. They LOVED it. By far their favorite book of the year.

[Macho Man · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome. A spectacular blend of contemporary and old fashioned. My daughter read it in one day. I did too.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! So refreshing to see a book with a clear message. Great adventure/mystery story that will keep you guessing until the very end.

[Ragna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute book for kids. There was action and even gold! It highlights some of the potential issues of a digital age, but it's mostly about adventure.

[Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the only book my son has completed willingly. Perfect for kids who like building things and escaping from dire situations. It's like a combination of Indiana Jones and the Goonies.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book. Every middle school kid should read this. So much better than the dribble my daughter is assigned.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional. My son and daughter both read in under a week. They're waiting for the sequel.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is excellent. I wish there were more books like this for kids. It has a great setting like Harry Potter. In fact, it's kind of like Harry Potter without the magic.

[Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book! This story is great. My son loved it. I read some aloud and got hooked myself. Perfect for fifth grader.

[Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

riveting story. five stars. don’t miss it!

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. Very complex mystery but also accessible to younger readers. Great message and plot.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. My two girls (9 and 12) loved it. Love the anti-screen message.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!