The Expeditioners and the Treasure of Drowned Man's Canyon

November 5, 2012
In this series kickoff, Taylor (Amelia Earhart: This Broad Ocean) introduces a fascinating world where history took a different turn. The invention of computers in 1880âand their failure a century laterâhas led to the discovery of strange lands not on any map as well as the rise of steampunk technology in place of gasoline and electricity. Siblings Zander, Kit, and M.K.â14, 13, and 10, respectivelyâare forced to go on the run after they discover a map created by their deceased father, a renowned explorer, which points the way to a massive hidden treasure, one coveted by the corrupt Bureau of Newly Discovered Lands. As their journey takes them into the depths of a long-hidden region, they encounter all manner of dangers. The author's evident love of maps and exploration strengthens this Indiana Jonesâstyle adventure, which is filled with nifty gadgets, moments of moderate terror, and high stakes. The retro-futuristic technology, never-before-seen sights, and danger provide plenty of fodder for Roy's playful illustrations, which have an adventurous, Jonny Quest flair. Ages 10âup. Agent: Esmond Harmsworth, Zachary Shuster Harmsworth Literary Agency.

October 15, 2012
Can three orphaned siblings with half a map beat an oppressive government to a secret, gold-filled canyon? Set in a future where the hacking of computers and depletion of natural resources has caused a return to steam and clockwork engines, Taylor's novel crosses dystopian and steampunk genres in this fast-paced, plot-driven tale. An Explorer with a clockwork hand smuggles an old book to Kit, the book's narrator. With his two siblings, brave Zander and preteen inventor M.K., he forms the Expeditioners, breaking the code hidden in the book and finding half a map from their late father, Alexander West, an Explorer of the Realm. Off they go to find the other half of the map and follow it, facing giant green slugs, huge birds and evil government agents. The black-and-white cartoon-style illustrations and the portrayal of wrench-wielding, smart-mouthed, fearless M.K. lighten the tone of the lengthy text and its underlying message of mistreatment of natural resources and indigenous peoples. The premise that there are undiscovered places, that "[a] map of the world isn't a fixed thing. We know only what we can see," is an intriguing one. Full of kid power, clues, codes and maps, this will appeal to sophisticated readers who appreciate their adventure served with heaping helpings of cleverness. (Fantasy. 10-14)

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January 1, 2013

Gr 4-7-With their father presumed dead, all of his maps and papers taken, and their food supply eliminated, Zander, Kit, and M. K. West have lost all trust in the government, particularly the repressive Bureau of Newly Discovered Lands (BNDL). Their father, a once-famous Explorer and mapmaker (planet Earth has more continents and land formations than previously thought), was suddenly labeled a traitor and the BNDL seems up to no good in its search of a mythical cache of gold. But now the siblings-the Expeditioners, so named by their father-discover that they are in possession of one map that the government missed. With agents on their tail and no money, the three youngsters and their steel-clawed talking parrot set off to follow the hidden trail of clues left by their father. With the help of a glider pilot, they reach the Grand Canyon and follow the map in an attempt to find Drowned Man's Canyon and the elusive gold mine. A wonderful example of steampunk done well, this thoroughly satisfying adventure contains enough danger and suspense to keep even reluctant readers turning the pages.-Clare A. Dombrowski, Amesbury Public Library, MA

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