The Unbreakable Code (The Book Scavenger #2)

Brisk, bookish good fun for puzzle and code lovers.

Gr 4-6--This second installment leaps in right where the first left off, with middle schoolers Emily and James on the trail of a new coded mystery. Things are heating up as an arsonist called The Phoenix leaves a trail of hidden books and small fires all over San Francisco. While worrying about family finances, figuring out what their teacher Mr. Quisling is up to, taking part in a historical treasure hunt, and planning the school dance, the intrepid heroes have more than enough on their cipher-loving minds. Though the plot stands alone, readers may need to revisit the first book in the series to catch up on necessary exposition. Without the weight of explanation, though, the story speeds satisfyingly along and is, all in all, a successful sequel. Includes supplementary back matter on geographical and historical references. VERDICT Readers who loved the first volume will find this follow-up even more satisfying. Purchase extra copies where there are fans.--Katya Schapiro, Brooklyn Public Library

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Bertman offers . . . a large, interesting cast of characters, plenty of challenges for code enthusiasts, and more complexity than most middle-grade mysteries. Young readers captivated by these distinctive characters will be hoping for the series to continue.

Praise for Book Scavenger

A New York Times-Bestseller
An Indie Next List Pick
An NCTE Notable Children's Book in the Language Arts
A Bank Street College Best Book of the Year
A Publishers Weekly Best Book for Summer
A Texas Lamplighter Award Nominee
A Pennsylvania Young Readers Choice Award Nominee
A Georgia Children's Book Award Finalist
A Colorado Book Award Finalist
A Maryland Black Eyed Susan Award Nominee
A Utah Educational Library Media Association Master List Selection
A Missouri Gateway Award Nominee
A Nebraska Golden Sower Award Finalist
A Connecticut Nutmeg Book Award Nominee
A Utah Beehive Award Nominee
An Illinois Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Award Nominee
An Illinois Bluestem Award Nominee
A Mississippi Magnolia Children's Choice Book Award Nominee
A Rhode Island Middle School Book Award Nominee

"Full of heart and replete with challenging ciphers for readers to decode, Bertman's debut is literary cousin to classic puzzlers like The Westing Game, and a story that values books and reading above other pursuits . . . Sure to be popular with voracious readers." -Publishers Weekly, starred review

"How I adored this book! It's a page-turning thriller, a valentine to the storied city of San Francisco, an exploration of the nature of friendship and family, a feast for puzzle aficionados and code breakers, and a celebration of the community of book lovers everywhere. It's off the charts wonderful." -Claudia Mills, author of Kelsey Green, Reading Queen and Zero Tolerance

"Book Scavenger is that flashlight-under-the-bedcovers book that would have gotten me into serious trouble when I was a kid." -Jody Feldman, author of The Gollywopper Games

"Book Scavenger is the book I dreamed of when I was young. Adventure! Ciphers! Hidden treasure! And it's all for the love and celebration of books! This book nerd couldn't put it down, and you won't be able to either." -K.A. Holt, author of Rhyme Schemer