Books in the series Book Scavenger

Book Scavenger is an exhilarating literary mystery that turns the city of San Francisco into a giant treasure hunt. Twelve-year-old Emily is a die-hard fan of Garrison Griswold’s 'Book Scavenger' game, where players solve complex ciphers to find hidden books. When she moves to the city where the game began, she expects adventure, but she doesn't expect to find her idol in a coma and a secret, unpublished game in her hands. Alongside her new puzzle-loving friend James, Emily must race against time and dangerous rivals to decode the mystery Griswold left behind.

This novel is a perfect choice for children who love Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library or The Westing Game. It seamlessly blends real-world geography and literary history with high-stakes suspense, making it an ideal read for young fans of codes, ciphers, and secret messages. Parents will appreciate how the story encourages critical thinking, teamwork, and a deep love for reading and libraries.

Highlights:

• Engaging puzzles and ciphers that readers can solve along with the characters.
• A fast-paced mystery set against the vibrant backdrop of San Francisco.
• Strong themes of friendship, intellectual curiosity, and perseverance.
• Perfect for readers who enjoy interactive stories and literary scavenger hunts.

In this thrilling sequel to the New York Times-bestseller Book Scavenger, sleuthing duo Emily and James find themselves caught in a dangerous web of arson and encrypted messages. When their teacher, Mr. Quisling, starts acting suspiciously and dropping coded notes at book events, the friends are on high alert. Their investigation leads them to a series of Mark Twain books hidden through the Book Scavenger game, each seemingly linked to a mysterious fire. Is their teacher an arsonist, or is he hunting for the legendary 'Unbreakable Code'?

The Unbreakable Code is a perfect choice for children who love interactive mysteries, escape rooms, and literary puzzles. Jennifer Chambliss Bertman masterfully weaves historical facts about San Francisco and Mark Twain into a modern-day adventure that keeps readers guessing until the very end. It is an ideal pick for middle-grade readers who enjoy stories about secret societies, code-breaking, and deep-seated friendships.

Highlights:

• Intricate puzzles and ciphers that readers can try to solve alongside the characters.
• A fast-paced plot that combines historical mystery with contemporary action.
• Strong themes of trust, teamwork, and critical thinking.
• Rich setting details featuring San Francisco's literary history.

In the thrilling third installment of the Book Scavenger series, sleuthing duo Emily and James face their most high-stakes challenge yet. Legendary game-maker Garrison Griswold has returned with "Unlock the Rock," an epic escape room competition set on the hauntingly atmospheric Alcatraz Island. While Emily and James are eager to test their puzzle-solving skills, they soon realize they are being targeted by someone desperate to knock them out of the game. When Emily’s brother, Matthew, is framed for a series of mishaps, the stakes become personal. The duo must race against time to crack the codes and clear Matthew's name before it is too late.

This book is perfect for children who love interactive mysteries, code-breaking, and literary adventures. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in San Francisco history or those who enjoy the "escape room" trend. Parents will appreciate the strong emphasis on critical thinking, teamwork, and the bond between siblings. If your middle-grade reader enjoyed Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library or The Mysterious Benedict Society, this series is a must-read addition to their bookshelf.

Highlights:

• Intricate puzzles and literary codes that invite reader participation.
• A suspenseful mystery set against the historical backdrop of Alcatraz Island.
• Strong themes of loyalty, family, and standing up for what is right.
• Fast-paced plot that keeps reluctant readers engaged from start to finish.