Saltwater Taffy by: Eric Delabarre

Make sure you have some free time when you sit down to read this book once you start reading you won't be able to put the book down.  Saltwater Taffy written by Eric Delabarre is a story filled with adventure, fun, friendship and life lessons that you won't  forget.

Scott, Gary, Jaq, Jimmy and Zippy's  summer had begun as any other.  Hanging out in their secret clubhouse, riding bikes and playing baseball.  Their rag-tag baseball team has made it to the city championship but that takes second place when they once again begin a search for pirate treasure.

In Port Townsend, Washington there is rumored to be the treasure of pirate Jean Lafitte.  Each year the city celebrates this hidden treasure by seeing who can find and solve the next clue.  When Scott along with his brother Gary and friends Zippy, Jimmy and Jaq, find the next clue and are double crossed and lose the clue they don't give up on the treasure hunt.  They keep close eye on their rivals and are able to solve the clue leading them to the final piece of the treasure map that belonged to the pirate Jean Lafitte.  As they follow the may their summer is unlike any other they have experienced.   As they work together to stay ahead of other treasure hunters they learn more about themselves and each other.

They encounter a variety of adventures as they throw water balloons at their rivals, explore "old man Sheesley's property and sneak out to explore a nearby island.  They also find the strength to go on when things get a bit hard.  They are chased by a bear and have to get across a very old bridge.  I was very nervous for them all as they crossed this bridge.  What exactly does saltwater taffy have to do with anything?  The answer to this question will surprise you!  Will they finally find the treasure?  When they have to deal with a cave-in the reader will wonder if they will make it back in time to play the city championship baseball game?  This is a MUST read story!

I loved this story.  So much summertime adventure for these five friends.  I also loved all the "treasure tips" offered by the author.  I was able to learn life lessons as I came to know these children.  The life lessons are important to the characters and to the reader alike.  When your child finishes this book I'm sure they will be on the lookout for adventures of their own.

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna