SOLVED. Youth book: boy and friend find hidden cave using an old map. Set in a small rural, mountainous town. Spoiler ahead. [s]

[Michael]

Hi,

I'm looking for a book I read when I was young (mid 2000's). It was probably written in the 80's or earlier. It was a paperback youth book, about a boy that would have to move soon, so his parents can make more money (find a better job). One of his neighbors ho had already moved and gave him a fancy desk (that he couldn't take with him). I think he might have found the map in the desk, or the map could have been a local legend. He spent some time searching with another boy near his age (I think his cousin) and they eventually find the hidden cave. Instead of finding gold, the treasure was a cool crystal room (I think it had a wall that look like a waterfall but it was made of crystals). This saves the town as it attracts a lot of tourists and now the boy doesn't have to move.

Thanks for any possible leads!
~Michael

[Kris]

Can we eliminate X Marks the Spot! by Lucille Recht Penner?

[Michael]

Kris wrote: "Can we eliminate X Marks the Spot! by Lucille Recht Penner?"

Yes. Although that looks like a good book, mine was was set before the boy had to move. (Around 100 pages long). I believe the there was a legend surrounding the hidden cave, and the two boys might have used radios while they were looking for it. I remember them being sad there wasn't any gold (or treasure) in the cave but it turned out to save the town as it brought in a lot of tourists.

Thank you though for the all the help!

[Kris]

You're welcome. By the way, I removed the spoiler from the topic header (re: what the treasure turns out to be).

[Kym]

Maybe Ghost Town Treasure by Clyde Robert Bulla?

[Michael]

Kym wrote: "Maybe Ghost Town Treasure by Clyde Robert Bulla?"

Thats it!!! The book arrived today in the mail, and I can say for certain thats its the book I read as a child.

Thank you for everyone who looked for it, and especially Kym for finding it. It really does mean a lot to me.

~Michael

[Kym]

You're welcome Michael.