West End Treehouse Mystery, The by Mark Weakland




This story features the exploits of two boys—Matt and Jerry—who are just finishing their time in elementary school before experiencing a massive change in their lives as they move up to Junior high school. Set in the year 1975 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, USA, the work is aimed at 9 to 11-year-olds.

Though not strictly an issues book, Weakland’s latest novel uses traditional storytelling to take a compassionate approach to address topics nearly-teens find difficulty dealing with, like overcoming fear, not accepting change, and failing to show empathy. Personally, I applaud authors who tackle negative feelings with sensitivity while leading the reader to a safer place.

Weakland is a recognised literacy expert and the story he’s imagined reached the page as it should do; meaning that his use of the English language leads to great prose and uncomplicated sentences. The descriptions employed are concise yet fully formed bring to the reader's mind’s eye a clear picture of what is taking place without unnecessary or redundant verbiage.

The story focuses on Matt and Jerry who really only want to build a mega tree-house but people keep getting in their way. Drawing on all five senses, Weakland takes the reader into the woods, to the thick of the action where, through his writing style, you are there experiencing the unfolding events for yourself. These scenes are divided between a gang of teenage boys who rule the neighbourhood with fear and an ageing couple who have failing health but are fearful of seeking help from welfare services because of the consequences it may bring them. Matt and Jerry find themselves conflicted in what they should do and how to act.

A well written compelling story based on positive values giving pre-teens a view of what should be not necessarily what is – always a good lesson.




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