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

Eric and Chris are avid geocachers who stumble into a very strange search.

At first they are merely curious, but as the stakes rise and the challenges become more trying, the boys get truly hooked. Convinced they are indeed on the trail of treasure, they become consumed with the search, and though their quest tests their strength, intelligence, courage and even their friendship, they don't give up.

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!

After nearly 30 years as a published author, Kristin has written more biographies of herself than she cares to remember. And she has run out of new ways to describe the same old life. Besides, she doesn't think of herself in terms of her birthplace, education, and work history. What she'd really like people to know about her is that she loves to dance. She loves to laugh. She loves to learn. Crossword puzzles relax her. Waiting frustrates her. She likes spending time by herself. And, like the heroine in her new book Closer to Far Away, she has a family that gives her strength. Her books include Cheat, Girls Like Me, The Druid and the Dragon, and Alibi. Kristin lives in Campbell River, British Columbia.

Kristin Butcher's profile page

• Commended, Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) Quick Picks
• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens

"The novel very convincingly captures an adolescent perspective and the nuances of friendship at this age...The topic of geocaching is an excellent plot device for a contemporary quest or search for clues and will likely lead more than a few readers to investigate geocaching in their own neighborhoods. Readers will also appreciate the twist in the plot at the end as the boys come face to face with a rival before their adventure reaches a satisfying conclusion."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"Budding Dan Brown fans will enjoy the ride of this fast-paced, plot-driven narrative."

The Horn Book

"Dangerous tasks, tests trying their stamina, and more and more difficult clues keep readers guessing and the boys questioning what makes this cache unique and exactly what will be the end result. Despite all these obstacles the boys see the cache search to its surprising conclusion. This title is suggested for young men, especially reluctant readers."

Library Media Connection

"This adrenalin-induced strive will be well recognized by most teen readers—especially boys...The end result only solidifies the feeling of reward the readers will share with Eric and Chris, who have together succeeded where either alone would likely have failed."

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