Emily and James have stumbled across another mystery; this one involving the legendary "Unbreakable Code" that supposedly will lead to some kind of treasure. Emily is desperate to find this treasure to help her parents, who are in financial trouble. To solve the mystery Emily and James must find several encryptions placed inside books written by Mark Twain that have been hidden around San Francisco and using the Book Scavenger website for clues. When they realize that their teacher, Mr. Quisling may be after the same clues, the two sleuths begin to follow him in hopes of getting a jump on the mystery.

The Unbreakable Code is another fun book in the Book Scavenger series. As the title suggests, this episode focuses more on code breaking and less on books, however, there is still an element of the story involving books. There is very little in this book that hinges on the personal lives of the characters, but the plot is very thought-provoking, requiring some thought as the book is being read. Overall, The Unbreakable Code is an enjoyable read, especially for those who like puzzles and codes.
3 1/2 stars. ( )

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4-1/2 stars

I think I liked this one better than the first book. As with the first book it would have been a 5 star book, and a favorite, had I read it at ages 9-12.

When I started this I thought I’d made a mistake and that I should have let more time elapse between reading books in this series, but I ended up thoroughly enjoying it, and I’ve reserved book 3 at the library; it’s currently on order. I was in the mood for a light and fun book and that’s what these books are, but they also have some substance to the and I appreciate that.

It’s a great San Francisco series. I love the multiple places mentioned, especially the real places, but the made up places too. Great San Francisco and area scenes!

I did find this a bit scary and at one point wondered whether there was going to be a too dark sociopath character for a middle grade mystery, but it never gets too, too dark.

I could do without “Steve” and don’t think I’d have much liked that aspect of the book at 9-12 either, though Steve didn’t seem to be mentioned as much as in the first book and I hope will be mentioned even less in the third book.

I love spending time with these people, particularly Emily, James, and Hollister, but experiencing reading time with almost all the characters is interesting and enjoyable.

The author’s notes at the end are wonderful. She explains what is real and what is made up for the story, and gives a bit of a mini history lesson at the same time, and I learned quite a bit, even though I’m a San Francisco person. I love learning new to me things about the city.

Something I think I neglected to mention in my review of the first book is that the illustrations are charming. I loved them and I’m happy that they’re included. Story and pictures together make for a fun romp. It’s a great children’s mystery series! ( )

*Read at work for review for ROYAL*

Oh man, this book was so much fun! Who doesn’t love the idea of a book filled scavenger hunt that ties in code breaking and a little bit of U.S. history?

Emily and James are two tenacious middle schoolers who love a website called Book Scavenger, where people all over the country hide books and then leave clues for others to decode. When mysterious fires start breaking out across San Francisco that may tie back to their teacher Mr. Quisling, the kids are quickly on the case, working to solve an old unbreakable code and piece together the truth of what’s happening.

I really loved this book; it was such a delight to read. Emily and James have such a great friendship and are bonded by their love for puzzles and book scavenging. I love that they live one floor apart in an apartment complex and that their bedrooms line up, allowing them to pass coded notes to each other through a bucket and pulley system rigged up outside their windows. They work so well together, and have fun along the way.

The history involved is also fascinating, giving information on the gold rush, sunken ships, and Treasure Island.

Overall, this is a great book for any book lover who enjoys a good puzzle and a mystery or two.
( )

Literary Merit: Excellent
Characterization: Excellent
Recommended: Recommended
Level: Middle School

Oh man, this book was so much fun! Who doesn’t love the idea of a book filled scavenger hunt that ties in code breaking and a little bit of U.S. history?

Emily and James are two tenacious middle schoolers who love a website called Book Scavenger, where people all over the country hide books and then leave clues for others to decode. When mysterious fires start breaking out across San Francisco that may tie back to their teacher Mr. Quisling, the kids are quickly on the case, working to solve an old unbreakable code and piece together the truth of what’s happening.

I really loved this book; it was such a delight to read. Emily and James have such a great friendship and are bonded by their love for puzzles and book scavenging. I love that they live one floor apart in an apartment complex and that their bedrooms line up, allowing them to pass coded notes to each other through a bucket and pulley system rigged up outside their windows. They work so well together, and have fun along the way.

The history involved is also fascinating, giving information on the gold rush, sunken ships, and Treasure Island.

Overall, this is a great book for any book lover who enjoys a good puzzle and a mystery or two. ( )