Chalfoun, Michelle The Treasure of Maria Mamoun, 344
pages. Farrar Straus Giroux (Macmillan),
2016. Content: G (some non-violent
bullying).
Maria, 12, has done her best to avoid the Bad Barbies at her
New York school and apartment, but one day they get their hands on her and terrorize
her to her core. In order to protect her
daughter, Maria’s mother quits her city jobs and takes a position as a private
nurse for Mr. Ironwill, a dying, eccentric old gentleman who lives alone in a
secluded mansion on Martha’s Vineyard.
Maria falls in love with her new life, gradually makes friends with Mr.
Ironwill, and uncovers a decades old pirate treasure mystery. In order to solve the mystery, however, she
will have to put her faith in Paolo, the troubled, annoying son of Mr.
Ironwill’s housekeeper.
For a first book for children, Chalfoun crafts a fine
mystery. From the opening hook of the neighborhood
bullying, to the final reveal, the author keeps the tension high and the action
interesting.
EL, MS – ADVISABLE. Cindy,
Library Teacher
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