Common Sense Media Review
By Darienne Stewart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Action picks up in adventure-packed sequel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
After their harrowing adventure in a canyon on Superstition Mountain, the Barker boys -- Henry, Simon, and Jack -- and friend Delilah, who's slowed down by a broken leg, are eager to learn more about the map and gold coins they discovered there. In search of the legendary gold mine, they explore a nearby ghost town, continue their research at the library, and prepare to return to the perilous canyon -- ignoring their parents' order to stay off the mountain. Sneaking back gets easier when the boys' parents go out of town and their visiting Aunt Kathy leaves them alone and goes on a date. They make a thrilling discovery, but at great risk, and still have many unanswered questions.
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Is It Any Good?
The action picks up considerably, but, as in the earlier book, the overall story lacks a satisfying resolution. TREASURE ON SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN picks up where the first book in the series left off, and it's best read after Missing on Superstition Mountain. Henry in particular develops as a character, showing courage and kindness and becoming the heart of the group.
Each dramatic scene moves the plot forward only incrementally, and the story seems to halt abruptly. Some of the mysterious characters from the first book don't appear in this installment, but others take a more prominent role. Many questions remain to be resolved in the third book.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the story is divided among the books. Why do you think it's packaged as a trilogy? What do you think will happen in Book 3?
Does the fact that Superstition Mountain and its legends exist in real life affect how you enjoy this book?
Do you think the parents are overly cautious here, or are the kids reckless?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Antonio Javier Caparo
- Genre : Mystery
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , History
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Henry Holt & Company, Inc.
- Publication date : February 5, 2013
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 288
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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