7th Grade book group of kids solving riddles on an Island; read in 1998.

[Dustin]

WHen I was in the 7th grade, in 1998, I read a chapter book that I would really like to track down again. I do not remember much of the book at all except..

It follows a group of kids on an Island that they may or may not have been transported to and they need to solve riddles to progress through the story. The part I remember most vividly was one riddle in which they were needing to find the height of an object, that i believe they needed to climb, by using the shadows in the sand on the beach.

I believe this book had three kids solving riddles but I cant be sure. I do know there were many riddles in the book and that was what I found most interesting. It was a problem solving book really.


I know this is a long shot but I have had no luck with google or other forums. Thanks

[Tab]

Dustin, do you remember the cover of the book?
Part of a series?
What time period did the story take place?

Remember any other characters in the book, like villains, parents, neighbors, animal sidekicks, etc?

[Kris]

Usborne Puzzle Adventure Omnibus by Michelle Bates - FourteenredRoses's suggestion

[Dustin]

I remember so little of it. It was a group of kids that I believe were transported to an island they needed to escape from and the riddles where how the story moved forward. I remember them have to measure and weigh things using problem solving skills throughout the book. I wish I could remember more but it's been so long. I have a son now and I hoped it would be joyful for him as well. I read it as a class in "reading writing workshop" in 7th or 8th grade. been looking for a while with no luck. I really appreciate you folks checking for me.

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Dustin, are you still looking for this or did you find it?

[Dustin]

I am still looking. I've bought a few puzzle books for my kids since then and none of them are the one I remember. But we enjoy they other ones too.

[Ayshe]

Probably the same book that is searched for here: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/... and https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Dustin]

sounds a lot like it but doesn't appear they've found it either. this is a mystery!

[Kris]

A guess - "Fruit Island Tree" (1993/1998) by Sue Arengo? 23 pages.

"Designed for young teenage students of English as a foreign language, this reader is part of a series of original mystery stories featuring a puzzle on each double page, which the reader must solve before continuing. The puzzles provide both a comprehension check and a motive for reading."
- Worldcat.org has a cover image: https://www.worldcat.org/title/fruit-...

"Mr and Mrs Norman and their children are left alone on a desert island when their cruise ship leaves without them. They build a house and learn where to find food. But soon they discover that the island has its own strange magic."
- Google Books: https://www.google.com/books/edition/...

[Dustin]

great suggestion! I'm going to read a little bit into this one and see if it jogs my memory. it sounds very similar. thank you.

[Kris]

You're welcome.

[Ayshe]

One searcher found his book: Journey to the Other Side: Mathematics Through Literature and Music

[Dustin]

This sounds just like it, from the little info I can find online. I've spent an hour try to find a copy of pdf with no luck. I think this could end the mystery!

[Kris]

A reference book on Google Books mentions Journey to the Other Side: Mathematics Through Literature and Music by Carl M. Sherrill - Ayshe's suggestion:

"The 240-page novel integrates math, literature, and music, and appeals to students in middle grades. Comes with a teacher's guide and a 60-minute cassette tape with 16 songs that help students remember problem-solving strategies."