Patricia Reilly Giff almost always turns out a good story. She has her literary novels: this is not one of them; and she has her series books which clock in at low enough reading levels (3.8 for this one) that make them accessible for kids. The first page hooks readers with the ridiculous and humorous (kid humor anyway) with Fred the dog galloping down the street with Hunter's underwear in his mouth. (Hear the gales of laughter erupt from 2nd and 3rd grade readers). Hunter and his twin brother Zack are determined to strike it rich by being the first to unearth the buried fortune of one of the town fathers. Naturally, there's competition with all parties finding clues and being determined to be the first to locate the treasure. There's Sarah - although they ultimately join forces; and there's the class bully. Will they be successful?

At the risk of spoilers, the explicit theme on the last page would suggest yes, they will be successful, depending on how one defines success. "Sister Ramona says you don't know how good you are yet. But you will. You'll feel it inside, and you'll be on your way. And somewhere in my chest, I do feel it, the pounding of drums, the crash of the cymbals. And maybe I'd rather have that than any treasure I could find: (Giff, p. 115). ( )