Search For Treasure by Mary Alice Monroe, Angela May, and Jennifer Brickling - ESSENTIAL

Search for Treasure (The Islanders #2) by Mary Alice Monroe and Angela May, illustrated by Jennifer Brickling, 259 pages. Aladdin, 2022. $18 

Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Jake Potter, now 12yo, is on his way to spend the summer with his grandmother and his best friends Macon and Lovie at Dewees Island. Last year they had a great mission, saving baby turtles. Jake is determined that this year they will have find his Dad's tree fort, which is hidden deep within the forest. Maybe they will find old pirate treasure too? Life isn't just sunshine and roses for Jake and his friends. Some new boys are on the island - Jake and his friends are being bullied by them, but the adults can't see the bullying. Jake hopes he can find the treasure and make his dad happy again.

I was so excited to see this book in my box. I loved the first book. This one does not disappoint. Tell the kids about this book and I think they will like it. My grandson loved the first book and is eagerly waiting for this one. The characters are strong and very realistic. The setting is real and the adults give the kids a lot of freedom to explore by themselves. It is a small island, so it would be hard to get lost or get to any harm without being found quickly. I loved both Islanders and look forward to more adventures with Jake, Macon and Lovie.  All three children have personal problems in their families. Together they are stronger, they can talk about their problems and help each other find solutions. 

Ellen-Anita Librarian