Graysen Foxx and the Curse of the Illuminerdy

Graysen Foxx #2

by J. Scott Savage, Brandon Dorman (Illustrator)

Join Graysen Foxx on his most dangerous adventure yet!

Fifth-grade treasure hunter Graysen Foxx is no stranger to the mysteries hidden in Ordinary Elementary—the bat-filled tunnels, the secret passageways, the underground chambers, and the sticky spiderwebs—and he's on the hunt for a creepy, old painting that will guarantee his victory in the school's Halloween contest. But finding and claiming the painting is only the beginning of a wild adventure filled with puzzles that will put Graysen's treasure-hunting skills to the test.

When the fedora-wearing, sticky hand-wielding Graysen finds a mysterious symbol on the back of a dusty spelling bee medal, news of the discovery spreads like creamy peanut butter, and a disguised student quickly steals the medal. But who would want the medal, and why? Is it Graysen's nemesis, Raven? The Second-Grade Spy Network? Or the Doodler, the sixth-grade boss who blames a lost spelling bee for ruining his life?

While researching what the spelling bee symbol might mean, Graysen and the twins, Maya and Jack, cross paths with a secret society of supersmart kids who call themselves the Illuminerdy and have access to a treasure so powerful it could change the world of education forever. Graysen and his friends must work together to obtain the treasure, outwit the secret society, and break the bone-rattling Curse of the Illuminerdy.

Genres: Middle Grade, Adventure, Friendship, Audiobook, Childrens

256 pages, Hardcover

Published January 2, 2024

About the author

J Scott Savage is the author of 19 novels including the Mysteries of Cove series, the Farworld series, and the Case File 13 series, and the Lost Wonderland Diaries.

He has been writing books for over twenty years. His books have received various recognitions including Junior Library Selection, Starred reviews from PW and Kirkus, Amazon Book of the Month,
Barnes and Noble Select book, and several state award nominations.

He has visited over 2500 schools, dozens of writers conferences, and taught many writing classes. He has four children and seven grandchildren. He lives with his wife Jennifer in a windy valley of the Rocky Mountains.




He loves hearing from his readers at info@jscottsavage.com

Reviews

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun adventure from J. Scott Savage! I have thoroughly enjoyed this elementary school/middle grade series. It’s a book that parents would definitely approve of and enjoy reading along with their children. I loved the funny puns and humor, the creative puzzles and mysteries they have to solve, and the life lessons shared subtly throughout.

Graysen Foxx is on another quest, this time to find a creepy painting that will help his treasure hunting sidekicks Maya and Jack win their Halloween classroom decorating contest. But, Ordinary Elementary is anything but ordinary as the kids have previously discovered. On their mission to find the painting, they uncover another mystery, an old spelling bee medal with a strange inscription on the back.

Before they can figure out what the medal means, a ninja like 2nd grader steals the medal right out of their hands. This starts them on an investigation that will test all of their skills and friendship leading to an encounter with a super smart group called the illuminerdy. They guard a particularly amazing secret which the friends are determined to uncover. From alligators to abacuses, they face it all on their action-packed, fun filled adventure.

This book was so much fun and I loved the narration of Graysen Foxx. He’s such a fun kid with a wicked smart sense of humor and a gift for leadership. There were so many great messages in this story that were delivered in an entertaining way. I loved the teamwork, friendships, and lesson that just because you fail at something doesn’t mean you’re doomed to failure. I loved the way the kids each used their specific talents to solve the puzzles and riddles. Music, chemistry, engineering, math, computer programming, and science problems were all featured in this amazing adventure.

I loved the setting where there are secret passageways, hidden secrets, and all kinds of imaginative scenarios that took me back to my own childhood. Who hasn’t wished to find a secret passage in the school basement? Where there are so many books nowadays that rely on crude humor and silly jokes, this book excels in intelligent humor, witty observations, and fun.

Highly recommend this book and the entire series to elementary school aged kids and up. While it’s the second book in the series, it could be read as a standalone, but is more enjoyable if you’ve read the first book. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Curse of the Illuminerdy is the second book in the Graysen Foxx School Treasure Hunter series. In the current book, Graysen attends Ordinary Elementary, which on the outside is just well ordinary. Inside the school, however, is a very different story. There are secret passages, hidden chambers and treasures, which Graysen the resident fifth grade archaeologist/ explorer hopes to find. Assisting him are his two third grade treasure hunters in training and best friends, the twins Maya and Jack Delgado. Currently they are in search of a creepy old painting that they hope to use to win the school's Halloween room decorating contest. Along the way they come across an old spelling bee medal with mysterious writing on the back, but just as they are going to search further into the message an acrobatic clown steals their prize. Just who is behind the theft? Is it the Doodler and his sixth-grade gang? Graysen's archnemesis, Raven Ransom? Or is it the second-grade spy network? While following the clues, Graysen and his friend's cross paths with a secret society of super smart nerds called the Illuminerdy who put them to the ultimate test. Will they be able to meet the challenge, or will they suffer The Curse of the Illuminerdy?

I've had the pleasure of reading J. Scott Savage's The Lost Wonderland Diaries and Mysterious of Cove series and was instantly intrigued by his latest series about a school filled with treasure hunters. It has a sort of Indiana Jones vibe that instantly appealed to me. The Curse of the Illuminerdy was a really fun book, full of excitement and action. Having this set inside a school lends itself to some interesting and fun adventures. Who knew that they'd be riding on projector carts while using an abacus to navigate the turns?

There were many clues for Graysen and his friends to follow and puzzles to solve that took them all around the school, from the girl's bathroom to the bell tower and even face to face with alligators in a swimming pool. I really enjoyed the math word problems and learning about Napier's Bones, an ancient way of multiplying numbers. The story has a strong emphasis on teamwork, cooperation, and the valuable lesson that we all make mistakes from time to time, but the key is what we can learn from our mistake. I also enjoyed how the story highlighted each kids' unique ability be it music, math, science, engineering, chemistry, computer programming or history. And that by working together they were able to complete the puzzles. I would recommend this to any adventure seeker who is interested in treasure hunting or for someone who just wants a good laugh. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the illustrations by Brandon Dorman, which were fabulous in capturing the action and main characters.

**A huge thank you to Shadow Mountain for approving my request on Edelweiss+**

[Riella Cristobal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another exciting and humorous MG adventure featuring Graysen Foxx! The fifth-grade treasure hunter is no stranger to the mysteries hidden in Ordinary Elementary - the bat-filled tunnels, the secret passageways, the underground chambers, and the sticky spiderwebs - and he’s on the hunt for a creepy, old painting that will guarantee his victory in the school’s Halloween contest. But it is only the beginning of a wild adventure filled with puzzles that will put Graysen’s treasure-hunting skills to the test. The discovery of a mysterious symbol on the back of a dusty spelling bee medal leads to a disguised student stealing the medal. But who would want the medal, and why? While researching what the symbol might mean, Graysen and the twins, Maya and Jack, cross paths with a secret society of supersmart kids who call themselves the Illuminerdy and have access to a treasure so powerful it could change the world of education forever. Graysen and his friends must work together to obtain the treasure, outwit the secret society, and break the bone-rattling Curse of the Illuminerdy.
This was such fun! It is light-hearted and full of adventure. Graysen is such an entertaining narrator. There is a very classic treasure hunter vibe all set in an elementary school extremely similar to what you might imagine, but just a bit more interesting. He takes us on an adventure that is inventive and yet seems never to be out of nowhere. I loved all of the creative elements of the school! It is exactly what you dream your life is like when you are a kid! It is full of silly humor, all sorts of puns, and lovely themes of friendship and loyalty. The kids learn to work together and discover treasures along the way. It is very fitting for the age range and I feel like it is very appropriate for elementary aged readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

[A.L. Sowards]

I was lucky enough to get an early copy of this book, and I read it with my eight-year-old son. We loved it!

The book begins with Graysen Foxx of Ordinary Elementary trying to help his sidekicks, twins Maya and Jack Delgado, win a classroom-decorating contest by retrieving a spooky portrait from storage. (It's almost Halloween, and they want that pizza party prize.) The portrait is stolen, but they find something else, an old spelling bee medal with a mysterious inscription. A fun adventure follows, full of exciting challenges, humor, and good lessons about friendship and teamwork.

You could probably read this without reading the first book, but I recommend starting with book one. The series is a great fit for fans of humorous, fast-paced middle grade adventures where the good guys come out on top.

Thanks to the publisher and author for the advance copy.

[Sharon the Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5
Such a fun story- the 2nd in this page turning series for young readers. It would make an amazing read a loud to a class or for a family. So many life lesson addressed in such a fun way, you will laugh and talk about the ridiculousness with a smile.

Ordinary Elementary is anything BUT ordinary. Tunnels, secret passageways, secret societies, and million dollar donors. Nothing for a 5th grade treasure hunter, his 3rd grade twin partners, and a couple of nemesis can't handle when and IF they learn to work together. Illuminerdy is a term to endear all kids who use their brains- and a reminder that friends are what it's all about.

"Shh," Maya said, pointing to where something jangling the metal hangers like a librarian searching for her favorite cardigan. "
(Ha Ha Ha SO many librarian refererences, I couldn't help but laugh, then think "HEY, I resemble that remark!")
"There are three things you don't mess with in this world: another kid's cubby, a parent's pick-up routine, and a book from the library." "we headed straight for the library... the home of knowledge, really funny books, and the fastest school librarian west of the Mississippi."

Oh, the similies alone will keep you smiling:
*Every page was as empty as a package of cookies in a classroom full of 6th graders.
*Thoughts of the award in my pocket gnawed at my brain like a hungry toddler with a chicken nugget Happy Meal.
*My tongue stuck to the top of my mouth like gum to the bottom of an old sneaker.
*I had to duck underbigger students and dodge through narrow oppenings like a determined shopper on Black Firday morning.
*My stomach was as tight as the lid of the Tupperware container my mom used to store leftover sloppy joes.
*As excited as a teacher with a new pack of dry erase markers.

You get the idea. Fun.
Here are some deep and thought provoking passages:
"Just an ordinary kid helping out another ordinary kid to do extraordinary things."

"The true judge of a person's character is what they do when they discover there are 5 kids but only 3 peanut M&M's left in the bag."

"Being selfish isn't ever going to bring you anything but sorrow."

"Choice, not chance, determines your destiny. Aristotle

"I'd rather spend the rest of my life being completely ordinary with my real firends than spend one more minute with you and your egotistical Illuminerds."

"Sometimes the only tool that matters is the one inside your head."

I could go on and on with quotes I highlighted, but am just happy to recommend this book to you so you can discover it for yourself.

[Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A treasure greater than any you can imagine." This was the message that started it all.

It was great to be back in the fun and crazy world of Graysen Foxx. This young Indiana Jones-like detective is once again on a mysterious treasure hunt. Graysen makes going to school at Ordinary Elementary a true adventure He's on the hunt for a creepy old picture to win a Halloween contest. Graysen is looking for clues about a secret society of super-smart kids called "The Illuminerdy".Yes, the name of this group made me giggle. In his search, he finds a spelling bee medal, and from here the chaos begins.

There is always so much humor in this series. J. Scott Savage keeps the laughs coming the whole book. Here's an example, "This isn't Star Wars and we aren't inside a trash compactor."

Another funny chapter tickled my teacher's funny bone and this part really made me LOL! Raven says, "You don't want to know how many abandoned rooms there are in this place. I think I found the mummified remains of a substitute teacher next to a jammed copy machine waiting for her word search sheets to finish printing."

One aspect that I loved about this second book is how teamwork helped to solve the mystery. I like how Savage puts ways for kids (and adults) to learn new things and readers don't even realize it. They enjoy the ride so much they forget they are gaining new information they'd normally learn in school. Readers will also see that every person has unique and valuable talents. Graysen and his friends learn to appreciate each other as each person had a gift to help in the treasure hunt. One was good at Math and another was really good at building things.

This book and series are so much fun. It would be a great class read-aloud and also a great book to read with your children or grandchildren. Savage has such a gift for writing for this age group. As an older person, I'm so pleased to be able to read about Graysen Foxx's adventures and be taken away in childhood fun for a few hours.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Graysen Foxx and The Curse of the Illuminerdy is the second book in the Graysen Fox series. It could be read as a stand-alone, but it would be better to read the first book, Graysen Fox and the Treasure of the Principal of Redbeard, first. In Graysen Foxx and The Curse of the Illuminerdy, Graysen Foxx must work together with schoolmates to figure out the mystery symbol on an old spelling bee award and the clues in a painting to discover more about the Illuminerdy.

I enjoy the Graysen Foxx series. My 8-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son have both read books from this series and they enjoy the adventure, characters, the mystery, the intrigue. As a parent reading the series, I felt like it was age-appropriate in characters, intrigue, and adventure. It also has a good overall message that teaches kids to work together and to look out for each other. J. Scott Savage does a good job at drawing the reader in through the dialogue, descriptions, and action in the story. Graysen Foxx and The Curse of the Illuminerdy reminded me of a mix between Indiana Jones, Recess, Lara Croft Tomb Raider, and a detective book. The dialogue is smart and witty while the adventures in this book are creative and engaging. I hope the author writes more books from this series. I would highly recommend it. It's also a great series for kids that are just starting to read middle-grade fiction in that the characters are elementary school age, and the action and adventure is very kid-friendly.

Please note that I received a free copy to review, however, this is my honest opinion.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last year, I read the 1st book in this series, Graysen Foxx and the Treasure of Principal Redbeard just as the movie Indiana Jones and Dial of Destiny, the 5th and final movie in that series was about to come out. This year, the 2nd Indy movie, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, will be turning 40. And to be reading the 2nd Graysen Foxx book mere months away from that anniversary seems very funny to me.

When I first saw the cover for Graysen Foxx and the Curse of the Illuminerdy, instantly reminded me of the mine cart chase scene from Temple of Doom. And that's not the only similarity Graysen's 2nd adventure has in common with Indy's The main antagonists are a a cult. But instead of it being a cult that ENSLAVES children, they are a cult made up OF children. And our protagonist gets cursed, although Graysen's bit of bad luck is much milder than Indy falling victim to the Black Sleep of Kali Ma. Also, I will say that I found Graysen Foxx and the Curse of the Illuminerdy to be a bit darker than Graysen Foxx and the Treasure of Principal Redbeard, much like Temple of Doom is vastly darker than Raiders of the Lost Ark. Funnily enough, the challenges Graysen and his friends face towards the end of the book remind me of the 3 Grail challenges from the climax of the 3rd Indy movie, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. (My favorite one, BTW.) One of them even involves a bridge. All in all, this was an excellent 2nd book in the series. And I really hope there will be a 3rd.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this middle grade series! The way it shows readers that they can think and solve hard puzzles, even if they're only in 5th grade or 2nd is so great. And this one had such a strong message about trusting your friends.

I love Graysen. He's a 5th grade who is super smart and able to solve all kinds of hard puzzles. But his friends, 2nd graders Maya and Jack, are also good at solving puzzles. Graysen knows he can trust them and together the three of them are seemingly unstoppable.

Until they run into the Illuminerdy. And Graysen is cursed. And then they get their biggest challenge yet. And they know they can't do it on their own.

If you've got a middle grade reader in your life, they will love this series! My 10 year old was so excited when he saw I had this book. We read it together. And loved every minute of it. And this book made us both laugh, as well as think about the puzzles.

I won an ARC copy of Graysen Foxx and the Curse of the Iluminerdy. All opinions are my own.

[Jessica Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Graysen Foxx and the Curse of the Illuminerdy is the second book in J. Scott Savage’s Grayson Foxx, School Treasure Hunter series, and just like the first book, Graysen Foxx and the Treasure of Principal Redbeard, it’s filled with excitement.

This time around, Graysen and his friends must solve STEM-based puzzles and riddles and explore hidden passageways all within the framework of “normal” school.

As with its predecessor, the star of Graysen Foxx and the Curse of the Illuminerdy is Graysen himself. Author J. Scott Savage has Graysen’s voice down. It’s full of energy and bravado and really draws you in. He very much is what you’d kind of expect from a young Indiana Jones-type character.

Accompanying illustrations by Brandon Dorman are sprinkled throughout and add to the overall feel.

Graysen Foxx and the Curse of the Illuminerdy can be read alone, but is better if read after its successor. It’s a fast-paced novel that will appeal to fans of mystery and adventure.

[Cristy (Quinnbook) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sequel was absolutely incredible. Our group of adventurers are back in action with another treasure hunting expedition. The story picks up right where the first one left off, and it was so nice to see all our heroes.

This time, the gang has to rely even more on each other and their witts to solve what happened to the painting of the original founder of Ordinary Elementary. Perhaps the students will join forces with new and old rivals to find the treasure. What I love about this series is the incorporation of school subjects like math. It teaches readers about ancient history with amazing dialects and super fun illustrations. What I really love is the way the friendship revolves between them and is put to the test by forces they don't know exist. This is definitely one of my favorite series so far, and I can't recommend it enough.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is quickly becoming a favorite. It is so clever and fun. (There is one part with possible alligators that had me laughing so hard.) I absolutely adore the characters. Gray, Maya and Jack are three peas in a pod. I love their friendship. They tackle their challenges together and work as a team. Gray is a great leader, as much as he can lead this cute, wacky group. The way Jack communicates is still my favorite. I enjoyed the twist of the two additions to the group, it really added to the adventure. There are some twists that I really enjoyed. The similes are memorable and perfect for the story. This book is another win for this talented author.
Thank you to the publisher for the Netgalley approval.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book starts a few weeks after the previous book ends but I liked it better than the first book in the series. Lots of action, exciting, gripping, some peril, but still kid appropriate. Fun for adults too - some of the quotes and figurative language will go over kids heads.

Graysen doesn’t join the exclusive Illuminerdy, so he’s cursed and everything goes wrong. My favorite part is when the kids get back at the Illuminerdy for cursing Graysen. Great message about working together and combining individual strengths to make a stronger team. Thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC to use for my review.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun adventure to go on. I loved all the metaphors related to elementary school antics. I smiled every time one came up. 😊 Graysen and his team added more members this time around. It was wonderful to see the teamwork that happened, especially with those who have hurt or offended in the past. To see what can happen when people are allowed to change was a powerful lesson everyone can learn from. This is a book any adventurer would really enjoy, no matter the age. 🥰

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read with your kids or grandkids. If you've got a Young reader they will enjoy this. This is the second in the series so I recommend you read the first, though things will be understood. If you read it to really young. There might be things that are a little confusing but I think they will be able to grasp it. Or you can explain some things and maybe even give some teaching. Some great things in here.

[Tiffany the_chronic_bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Graysen Foxx series. While my family throughtly enjoyed the book it wasn't quite as captivating as the first one. Having said that this is a fun book with twists and turns that will keep your middle grade readers engaged throughout the story. I thought this book did a great job showing how STEM learning can be fun and engaging. I highly reccommend this fantasy adventure for middle graders or a fun family read aloud.

[Abigail McKenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book of Graysen Foxx's adventures, and the sequel was just as much fun! Full of riddles and puzzles and grand adventures, these books never fail to make me chuckle. The ensemble cast is loveable (and maybe a little chaotic) and the themes of friendship and teamwork are perfect. And the plot twists? 🤯 I'd definitely recommend to kiddos (probably 5th grade+) who love adventurous MCs and clever puzzles. Four stars from me!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

📘 📗 Youth Feature 📘 📗

Graysen Foxx and the Curse of the Illuminerdy is an action filled novel for elementary/middle schoolers. My son and I couldn't put this novel down; from treasure hunts to secret societies, this book had action and adventure at every turn.

It's a great read that will keep your kids' interest and attention.
📚🤓❤️

Thank you to #NetGallery

[Christina London · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 11 year old son read this and gave it 25 million out of five stars. He said it was way better than the first book, which was really good.

I won't include spoilers, so you'll just have to read it.

[Karen Sueper · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoyable book

[Kerrific Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book that was a delight to read with my middle grade kids. A fun adventure with amazing writing!

[Rebecca Heywood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was okay. Easy read. I liked the puzzles in it especially.