About BC Books Online
BC Books Online was created for anyone interested in BC-published books, and with librarians especially in mind. We'd like to make it easy for library staff to learn about books from BC publishers - both new releases and backlist titles - so you can inform your patrons and keep your collections up to date.
Our site features print books and ebooks - both new releases and backlist titles - all of which are available to order through regular trade channels. Browse our subject categories to find books of interest or create and export lists by category to cross-reference with your library's current collection.
A quick tip: When reviewing the "Browse by Category" listings, please note that these are based on standardized BISAC Subject Codes supplied by the books' publishers. You will find additional selections, grouped by theme or region, in our "BC Reading Lists."
Description
On a visit to a seaside town in Australia, fifteen-year-old Sam meets Annabel, who works at the local museum.
Annabel's interest in history is infectious, and Sam soon finds himself eager to hunt for the remains of a famous shipwreck that is thought to be hidden nearby. When a storm exposes a structure, Sam and Annabel are convinced it's the fabled ship. Soon all of the museum staff are at the site to check it out. But the same storm also destroys the museum's power and, when the alarms aren't working, someone steals the museum's most treasured artifact, worth millions. Sam and Annabel are convinced they can help and search for the thief. They soon begin to suspect that there may be a link between the fabled shipwreck and the recent theft.
This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for middle-grade readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read! The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.
Contributor Notes
Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, John Wilson grew up on the Isle of Skye and outside Glasgow, without the slightest idea that he would ever write books. After obtaining a degree in geology from the University of St. Andrews, he worked in Zimbabwe and Alberta before taking up writing full-time and moving to Vancouver Island in 1991. John is the author of numerous articles, essays, poems and reviews, and almost fifty novels and nonfiction books for kids, teens and adults. He was a finalist for the Governor General's Literary Award for his novel The Alchemist's Dream and his books have won or been shortlisted for many Canadian children's-literature prizes.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 9 to 12
- Grade:
- 4 to 7
- Reading age:
- 9 to 12
Awards
- Commended, Resource Links, The Year's Best Books
Editorial Reviews
"The pace is quick and the language simple. This is a plot-driven, character-light whodunit where young protagonists use logic to solve the mystery and become the heroes of the hour...I’d expect this book to engage young readers as they follow Sam’s escapades over the course of just two days."
— The Coastal Spectator
"The brevity of the story and its vocabulary do not diminish its appeal...The conclusion is quite satisfying."
— Resource Links
"An exciting story that will hold the reader's interest. The South Australian setting with its rich shipwreck history is a great backdrop for this story of making friends and finding your way as a teen. Added to the adventure is the teens' realization of the risks that some people take to acquire history for themselves, or profit from its theft...Highly Recommended."
— CM: Canadian Review of Materials
"Provides an intricate plot as well as interesting characters that add to the suspense as the mystery unfolds. Wilson incorporates factual information throughout the book to add authenticity to the shipwrecks and hunt for treasure."
— VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates) Magazine
