The Nina, the Pinta, and the Vanishing Treasure
The Alec Flint Series
Jill Santapolo

Orchard Books (Hardcover)
ISBN-10: 0-439-90352-1 (0439903521)
ISBN-13: 978-0-439-90352-3 (9780439903523)
Publication Date: July 2008
List Price: $15.99

Review: Do you find mystery books that include suspense, character, and a hint of history captivating? If you do, the book The Nina, the Pinta, and the Vanishing Treasure would be a good book for you. In this book, Alec Flint is a fourth grader trying to follow in his fathers footsteps by becoming a sleuth. At the time a Christopher Columbus exhibit is stolen from a local museum, his father works on the case and Alec gains a special interest in figuring out mysteries. When his art teacher suddenly goes missing, he calls on a new student, Gina Rossi, to help him solve the intriguing mystery. Her special secret code assists them with delivering secret messages, while his sleuthing skills and extraordinary pen that can do special tricks help solve the real mystery at hand. Somehow, the two 4th graders believe that the Christopher Columbus exhibit and the missing art teacher can be related!

Readers of a young age will enjoy The Nina, the Pinta, and the Vanishing Treasure but this book is mainly directed at people from 3rd to 5th grade. Young readers can easily relate to characters of their own age, as well as being able to understand the vocabulary used in the book. This book can also be geared to people who enjoy learning about Christopher Columbus, because this book refers back to the history of this famous explorer. In addition, this book will keep readers asking questions and begging for more. The characters are admirable and their persistency and hard work will be a good role model for children. All in all, this book would be especially good for eight to twelve year olds.

Review written by Jade, Age 14, Grade 8. Date of review: April 2009.

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