Addison Cooke and the Treasure of the Incas

August 29, 2016
Raised by his archaeologist aunt and uncle, 12-year-old Addison Cooke is quite sophisticated for his age, as well as incredibly well-read and drawn to adventure. When a nefarious organization takes his aunt and uncle hostage in order to track down a long-lost Incan treasure, Addison, his sister Molly, and friends Eddie and Raj combine their individual talents to rescue them. Despite elements that require suspension of disbelief (such as Addison sweet-talking the group’s way into first class, all while traveling sans guardian), the stakes feel high—the villains aren’t shy about attempting to eliminate the meddlesome kids. Addison is often one step ahead of the adults, but his lead is constantly threatened, building steady tension throughout the novel, screenwriter Stokes’s debut. While Addison’s maturity and extensive knowledge are integral to the plot’s momentum, his overconfidence can make him something of a caricature. Featuring a combination of history, settings, and adventure-fueled action, this cinematic novel should still leave many readers awaiting Addison and company’s next escapade. Ages 8–12. Agent: Brianne Johnson, Writers House.

Twelve-year-old Addison Cooke must find two missing keys that will lead to an ancient Incan treasure if he is to save his archaeologist relatives from an evil kidnapper.After Uncle Nigel finds the first of three keys that will lead to a long-sought-after Incan treasure, he is kidnapped by a fellow archaeologist turned bad. Aunt Delia has also been kidnapped. It is now up to white siblings Addison and Molly to save them. They enlist the help of their friends Raj (a boy with an Indian background and a penchant for survival skills) and Eddie (a Chinese-American boy who will miss his piano lesson while participating in this improbable caper), and off they go to South America. First stop: Colombia. How unfortunate that significant research was evidently not done before writing the book. The Inca Empire only barely reached that far north. A bit more research might have also revealed that Quechua is not commonly spoken in Colombia. A brief consultation with an atlas would have also been helpful. Swimming across the Amazon from Colombia can only lead to Brazil or Peru, never to Ecuador. These are but a few of myriad glaring problems with the book. Engaging in creative history and geography guts the story, exoticizes its setting, and belittles readers. This book is the first in a series; here's hoping future entries have better-authenticated backbones. (Adventure. 8-12) COPYRIGHT(1) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

September 1, 2016

Gr 4-7-Archaeology is in seventh grader Addison Cooke's DNA. With a knack for research and a penchant for Arnold Palmers, Addison is ready to join his aunt and uncle on their excavations, but they insist he needs to stay in school. All that changes when Addison's uncle discovers the first clue that leads to an ancient Incan treasure, making him and his estranged wife targets for a ruthless organization. When Aunt Delia and Uncle Nigel are kidnapped, Addison recruits his younger sister Molly and their friends Raj and Eddie to save them. Armed with a can-do attitude, extensive knowledge of the Incas, and a plethora of snappy quips, Addison leads his team to the Amazon, following clues and trying to stay one step ahead of the bad guys. Cinematic pacing and action drive the story, but it's Addison and his friends who will keep readers engaged. Humor is never in short supply, even when the group narrowly escapes danger, and Addison's endless optimism and irrepressible confidence in his own abilities are endearing rather than tiresome. VERDICT A solid start to a new series, with a conclusion that will leave readers hoping Addison and company return soon for another adventure.-Amanda Raklovits, Champaign Public Library, IL

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.