Overview
Even though Henry Barker and his two brothers learned firsthand that the urban legend about danger on nearby Superstition Mountain wasn’t just a myth, this doesn’t stop them from planning their return. Along with their friend Delilah, the Barker brothers soon find themselves entangled in more danger and mystery as they uncover a real treasure, but the discovery comes at a very big price—they barely survive an avalanche. The question remains—is someone after them, or is the mountain seeking revenge?
Editorials
Publishers Weekly
Broach builds on the daring escapades and eerie tension established in Missing on Superstition Mountain as Henry, Simon, and Jack Barker; their friend Delilah; and Josie the cat surreptitiously explore century-old mysteries while searching for rumored gold. Two weeks after the children’s hair-raising escape from Arizona’s Superstition Mountain, during which they unearthed a treasure map and a gold nugget, the young adventurers—undeterred by Delilah’s broken leg, their parents’ admonishments, and anonymous warnings—are more determined than ever both to find a hidden gold mine and discover who is trying to stop them. The Barker parents, believing the children have learned their lesson, leave them in the care of the boys’ adored but easily distracted Aunt Kathy. A visit to a ghost town, the spine-tingling discovery that the creepy town librarian has strange connections to her namesake (Caparo’s illustration of the long-dead Julia Thomas alone evokes chills), encounters with rattlesnakes, and terrifying rockslides combine to thrilling effect in this stellar sequel. Readers will be eager for the next installment. Ages 9–12. Agent: Edward Necarsulmer IV, McIntosh & Otis. Illustrator’s agent: Shannon Associates. (Feb.)From the Publisher
Praise for Missing on Superstition Mountain:
An Amazon.com Best Book of the Month in June 2011
“An exciting adventure . . . Caparo’s skillful grayscale illustrations add a spooky element: three skulls mark each new chapter, and images like a black cat sitting on a crooked gravestone inspire chills. Classic horror and thriller elements combine with modern touches in Broach’s page-turner, a very promising start to this series.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
“With the unusual setting, the lure of mystery and adventure, and a certain innocence reminiscent of the Boxcar Children series, this story should find a ready audience.” —Booklist
“Broach reserves plenty of suspicious characters, spooky landscapes and loose ends for the slated sequels, which both boys and girls will savor.” —Kirkus Reviews
Praise for Shakespeare’s Secret:
North Dakota Flicker Tale Children’s Award Master List
“[More] evidence-driven than Blue Balliett’s Chasing Vermeer, this agreeable history-mystery may have even more appeal to budding sleuths.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Awards for Masterpiece:
American Library Association Notable Children’s Books
ABC E. B. White Read Aloud Award
Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year
CCBC Choice (Univ. of WI)
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best
Vermont Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award