Ollie and the Science of Treasure Hunting

May 15, 2014
Former sidekick Ollie, whose legendary geocaching skills helped Moxie locate some stolen paintings in Moxie and the Art of Rule Breaking (2013), takes center stage in this (literally) breathless thriller set in a Wilderness Scout camp on the Boston Harbor islands.Asthmatic Ollie is ordered by the FBI agent investigating the art theft from the previous book to join the scout group for two weeks and "[s]tay out of trouble." Despite the best will in the world, Ollie finds it impossible to subdue his detective instincts. In between hilarious scout pranks, rivalries and games of capture the flag, he is soon caught up in a more desperate hunt for pirate treasure, in which at least one adult member of the group has a serious vested interest. In spite of his less-than-athletic physique-he describes himself as "short, a mix of Caucasian/Vietnamese, asthmatic, overweight and [looking]...like the kid in [the movie Up]"-Ollie keeps up with the best of them, running all over the islands on foot and by boat. Ollie uses his detective skills and determination to outwit the sinister Ranger Johnson and his unpleasant daughter, to find a cache of missing diamonds and to make sure that justice is duly served.A well-choreographed romp starring an engaging protagonist who richly deserves his turn in the spotlight. (Thriller. 10-15)

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June 1, 2014

Gr 4-6-Meet Ollie, a chubby asthmatic who is anything but athletic yet holds a talent for geocaching and getting into trouble. After helping his friend uncover valuable art, Ollie is strongly advised by the FBI to keep a low profile. Yet secrets, diamonds, and a shifty Park Ranger all play a role in Ollie's two-week "quiet" escape at Wilderness Scout camp. Initially, Ollie's outing is filled with merit badge activities and befriending his fellow scouts. The trouble really begins when Ranger Johnson asks Ollie to help him uncover pirate Long Ben Avery's long lost treasure. Dionne's novel pushes the classic adventure story into the 21st-century. While the plot initially develops slowly, the short chapters alternate between activities in Ollie's days, focusing on clues and people of interest. Environmental description paired with traditional scouting events keep readers immersed in the Boston Harbor Islands with Troop Seven. At times, the many secondary characters are difficult to keep track of, yet Ollie's quirky tent mates are authentic and memorable. Tween readers will cheer on the atypical protagonist as he outwits bullies, uncovers pirate booty, and ultimately grows into a leader among his peers. A solid scouting adventure for fans of realistic fiction.-Mary-Brook J. Townsend, The McGillis School, Salt Lake City, UT

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2014
Grades 5-8 Ollie is hoping for some anonymity at wilderness camp after his hectic art recovery mission with his best friend in Moxie and the Art of Rule Breaking (2013). Unfortunately for him, his sleuthing skills precede him, and he unwittingly finds himself lured into a hunt for lost pirate treasure. Nothing could be worse for asthmatic Ollie than the island environment, replete with humidity, heat, sand, and speedboat chases. But Ollie stoically turns challenges into opportunities that he cannot resist. Bolstered by the knowledge that his FBI-agent friend is just a phone call away, Ollie and a selection of allies shrug off the potential danger, determined to find the treasure. A cast of likable campers, each with his or her own quirksmidnight swimmer, sensitive to sun, cartography geniusdrive this fast-paced adventure led by a camp ranger with a gambling problem. Nothing should surprise readers in this thoroughly satisfying tale of friendship, intrigue, and Boston Harbor Island topography.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)