• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 7
• Reading age: 9 to 12

Left alone for the first time on the island he calls home, Simon is looking forward to a day of personal indulgence.

Simon's sister Ellen only wants to make sure they get their chores done. Their parents are busy trying to convince the government not to close the lighthouse that the family operates, and it's up to the kids to make sure everything runs smoothly. Neither Simon nor Ellen is prepared for the mysterious and potentially dangerous visitor who brings with him an unexpected storm and a riddle that may lead to treasure—treasure that could help them save the lighthouse. Simon and Ellen have to work together to solve the riddle before the stranger—or the weather—destroys their chances.

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!

Kari Jones is happy to call Victoria, British Columbia, home: a city where you can go down to the beach with your kayak, find an island, a lighthouse and an adventure, and be back in time for dinner. Kari is a college instructor who teaches students to write, but when school is out, she can often be found with her family and friends exploring the natural world and dreaming up adventures to share. Kari is the co-author of Hiking Adventures with Children as well as several essays and articles on being in nature with kids. For more information, visit www.karijones.ca.

Kari Jones' profile page

"Jones festoons this quick read with several well-shaped action sequences and a steady application of danger in the guise of both the elements and the treasure-seeking villain. An entry in the reliable reluctant-reader Orca Currents series, this story holds plenty of appeal for outdoor enthusiasts looking to fill some of those armchair moments."

Booklist

"The pace is relentless and the wild, exotic and beautiful setting of the coastal island will intrigue readers who are unfamiliar with coastal life. Action oriented Simon and the responsible clever Ellen will appeal to the intended readers, both boys and girls, who are struggling with reading."

Resource Links

"The brother-sister relationship between Simon and Ellen is rightly used as tension to its full extent...Information about tides and Juan de Fuca (an European explorer for whom the Juan de Fuca Strait and the Juan de Fuca plate are named after) is inserted carefully and without intrusion and provides an enriched reading experience. Recommended."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"This fast-paced adventure story would be perfect for struggling readers. The story captures the reader's interest from the beginning and holds it throughout. The clues are easy to follow, and the book would be a good introduction to mystery stories."

Library Media Connection

"A quick read packed with adventure."

School Librarian's Workshop