I had a day off today and had plans to sit in the garden with a good book. I has finished my most recent and was needing something brilliant! The postie had delivered something intriguing and it was the perfect summer read!
Consider it a mix of The Goonies, Treasure Island and The Famous Five!
Jack Digby has become an orphan and is sent to a school for Wayward children. There he receives a warm welcome from new friends and a reminder that bullies exist in every school. He also discovers that the top misbehaving children at the end of the term get sent to Sin Bin Island.
Before he goes to the school, he is given an ancient Russian nesting doll set and is instructed to open each one at different times. This set has been passed down through generations of his family. Though ancient, these messages in each doll seem to predict the future and guide Digs on his adventure.
Digs, Noah, Cav and Amber get to the end of term having the most “lashes” of behaviour. Stories are legendary about those who return scarred for life and some who never return. The foursome are smarter than they realise and build a solid friendship which helps them, not only to survive the week, but to discover secrets long buried and treasure well hidden.
This is an exceptional adventure story, one that I think many children will enjoy. From the humour, adventure, friendship and secrets- it is a treasure chest of a story!
My Shelves Are Full 