From the Bookshelf of Mock Newbery 2026…
Find A Copy At
Group Discussions About This Book
No group discussions for this book yet.
What Members Thought
It's the summer, and the Barkers have just moved from Chicago to the small town of Superstition, Arizona. When the family cat, Josie, disappears into the nearby mountains, the three boys in the family try to find her. They don't find Josie, but they find three skulls. Once they arrive back home, they become determined to find out more about Superstition Mountain, particularly why the adults in the town warn them away from the area. After a rocky introduction, the girl next door, Delilah, ends up
...more
Nice mystery for young readers, but the story felt unfinished.
This started out as an intriguing, very approachable mystery - the focus was on atmosphere and the mystery rather than characters, which is great for plot-driven readers. The three brothers were identified by shorthand, rather than real character development, but this allows more reluctant readers to get right to the mystery - and the premise is great.
My only real complaint is that the story offers no real resolution. I started the book expecting a stand-alone story, only realizing towards the ...more
My only real complaint is that the story offers no real resolution. I started the book expecting a stand-alone story, only realizing towards the ...more
A solid mystery that reminded me of Peggy Parish's books about Jed, Bill, and Liza. I love that scene in juvenile mysteries where they have to go searching through old newspapers, which I first met in The Dollhouse Murders--came upon it twice in two days this week. How refreshing to have a possibly eeeevil librarian instead of a cool/hip/helpful one.
...more
I felt misled by the book. I want a mystery to be resolved in one book. I can't recommend this to my mystery readers because they will be mad when they finish. I also probably won't buy the other books, because it isn't a strong enough opener. Too bad. Masterpiece was great and my expectations were pretty high.
...more
Very good little mystery. Based in Superstition, AZ.
Simon, Jack and Henry move with their parents from Chicago. They explore the mountain, finding skulls and other bones. There is a famous gold mine which hasn't been found in hundreds of years.
Looks to be a series. ...more
Simon, Jack and Henry move with their parents from Chicago. They explore the mountain, finding skulls and other bones. There is a famous gold mine which hasn't been found in hundreds of years.
Looks to be a series. ...more
Ended a bit abruptly. Not expecting that end! Maybe book two will help?
Jun 23, 2011
Karen Arendt
rated it
liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
adventure,
middle-grade
It was good. Simon, Henry,, and Jack, brothers, friend a neighbor girl, Delilah, and go up Superstition Mountain to find the three skulls the boys found the first time they went up the mountain, naturally defying parental rules about not going up the mountain. Suggestions about the mountain being alive, someone watching them while on the mountain, and a gunshot at Henry and Delilah while they wait for help to arrive offer content for a sequel. Good for 5th grade and up.
Jul 21, 2011
The Styling Librarian
rated it
liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
kids-books
Interesting mystery with great setting but I wasn't as thrilled with the ending or pacing as I expected to be.
...more
Feb 07, 2012
Beverly
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
jf-mystery,
jf-cats
Jun 16, 2012
Ann-Marie
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
children-fiction
Jan 14, 2013
Shazzer
rated it
liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
2010-middle-grade,
middle-grade
