Book Descriptions
for Hide and Geek by T.P. Jagger
From Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
Gina (white) and her best friends Elena (Latine), Edgar (white), and Kevin (Black) live in Elmwood. Years ago, inventor Maxine van Houten established a toy factory in the town, which became the community’s driving economic force; she also gave generously to the public causes. Since her death, van Houten’s adult children have squandered her estate and sold the factory, which the new owner has just announced will be closing. When the four kids, collectively known as the GEEKs (for their combined first initials), hear the rumor that van Houten left a hidden treasure to benefit the town, they decide to investigate. Finding such a treasure could be the difference in whether their families will be able to stay or have to leave. Each of the four brings unique skills and interests to their search: Gina is an aspiring journalist and the driving force of the hunt; Elena brings scientific knowledge; Edgar knows theater and farming; and Kevin is committed to community and public service. The mystery and the interpersonal relationships are nicely balanced in this enjoyable work of genre fiction. (Ages 8-10)
CCBC Choices 2023. © Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2023. Used with permission.
From the Publisher
Four friends know that being a geek is a superpower -- and they're about to prove it as they solve a puzzlemaker's last clue and uncover a long lost treasure!
The GEEKs:
Gina, Edgar, Elena, and Kevin have been best friends for as long as they can remember. So when their arch-nemesis points out that their initials make them literally GEEKs, they decide to go with it.
The problem:
The GEEKs’ hometown of Elmwood was once the headquarters of the famous toymaker Maxine Van Houten. Her popular puzzle sphere, the Bamboozler, put the town on the map. But Maxine passed away long ago. Now the toy factory is shutting down, and Elena’s mom and Kevin’s dad are losing their jobs. They might have to move—and that would mean splitting up the GEEKs!
The quest:
Maxine left one final puzzle, a treasure hunt that could save the town and keep the friends together. But only those who know and love Elmwood best will be able to solve it. GEEKs to the rescue!
The GEEKs:
Gina, Edgar, Elena, and Kevin have been best friends for as long as they can remember. So when their arch-nemesis points out that their initials make them literally GEEKs, they decide to go with it.
The problem:
The GEEKs’ hometown of Elmwood was once the headquarters of the famous toymaker Maxine Van Houten. Her popular puzzle sphere, the Bamboozler, put the town on the map. But Maxine passed away long ago. Now the toy factory is shutting down, and Elena’s mom and Kevin’s dad are losing their jobs. They might have to move—and that would mean splitting up the GEEKs!
The quest:
Maxine left one final puzzle, a treasure hunt that could save the town and keep the friends together. But only those who know and love Elmwood best will be able to solve it. GEEKs to the rescue!
Publisher description retrieved from Google Books.
