On Track for Treasure

Wanderville #2

by Wendy McClure

Book two in a historically rooted series that's The Boxcar Children for a new era!

When the town sheriff discovers the exact location of “Wanderville,” the orphans who live there—Jack, Frances, Harold, Alexander, and their new friends—must flee their home in the woods. They take to the rails and, after nearly being caught, are rescued by a seemingly kind reverend and his wife. The pair brings the children to their home, telling them that if they help the sharecroppers who run their farm, they will eventually be adopted. But Frances can’t stop thinking about a mysterious treasure mentioned to her by a hobo they met during their travels, and when a young African-American sharecropper is blamed for stealing a fiddle her brother Harold actually nabbed, the citizens of Wanderville will have to decide whether their community is heading in the right direction or whether they need to get their “town” back on track.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Childrens, Adventure, Fiction

256 pages, Hardcover

First published October 16, 2014

About the author

Wendy McClure is an author and a children’s book editor.

Reviews

[Eadyn Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book just 2 weeks ago, and I have no regrets. The book comes in a series, but "On Track for Treasure" really caught my attention. Initially, I was expecting this book to be simplistic and straight to the point, but the deeper meaning that was uncovered was the complete opposite. Throughout the book, the main characters Jack, Frances, and Harold, depict what life was like as orphans, but more importantly, all the trials and tribulations they faced. Fortunately, I cannot relate to this idea specifically, but the aspect of persevering, and remaining hopeful greatly stuck with me. The three also fought very hard to persevere as they moved around homes. Not having parents to love, care for, and support you is a very big struggle, and the mental strength you must have is indescribable. This strong mentality resonates with me because a strong mind is truly hard to achieve.

As far as reading level, I recommend this book to all ages, primarily above 10. I also recommend reading the entire series for more context and elaboration and to further understand the greater outcome. On the other hand, if you just want to read "On Track for Treasure" it stands alone well.

Overall I rate this book 4 stars, as a stand-alone, and as a series, this is due to its in-depth, informative, and clear depiction of what Jack, Frances, and Frances's younger brother Harold experienced as orphans.

[Reader Girl · Rating 3 out of 5]

#2 was better than the first one. There were a couple of discrepancies from its predecessor, but otherwise it was action-packed and a good read.

[Jimena Arellano · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book and it is pretty good

[Erik This Kid Reviews Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Synopsis- Set in the early 1900’s, Wanderville is a traveling “town” that was created by orphans in the first Wanderville book. The town is set up so that, wherever they are, it can come with them, they are kind of like gypsies. The town now has 10 new residents but they all must leave immediately. The evil sheriff had found them and he is determined to round the kids up and send them to the work farms they escaped from. They hop a train, and find a home with a reverend and his wife. But the kids soon find out it may all be too good to be true.

What I Liked- Ms. McClure has written another great historical fiction story! The characters in the book are very real. They act and talk like kids – kids who are on the run and who are trying to find a home. The story is really interesting. I was very intrigued because there really were orphan trains and I found the 1900’s setting very fun to read about. The interesting plot twist is *DON’T READ IF YOU DON’T WANT A SPOILER* The reverend and his wife do good, but they aren’t necessarily good. *OKAY YOU CAN READ AGAIN* The plot kept me reading and lost in the story. The length and language in the book makes it great for kids 8+ but older kids will enjoy the story a lot too. I love the covers in this series. I am looking forward to the next book in the series!
*NOTE* I got a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick, refreshing, children's literature read, perfect for a snow day. What I really enjoyed about this book was the adventure, positive themes, and the innocence it was written with. So much of children's literature now a days as more "grown up themes" and I'm not totally against that-- it's part of our world. But this book, although set in a hard historical period and addresses some unpleasant events, has an innocence about it. The story focuses on love, caring for others, and being true to oneself. It has a happy ending (which totally lends itself to more books in the series) without it being "sticky sweet" where everything works out perfectly, because it doesn't. Even though I haven't read Book 1 in the series, I was quickly drawn into the story, and I think middle elementary students will be equally engaged. I recommend this book for higher level 3rd graders through lower level 5th graders.

[Amy Griffith · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was easier for me to read than the first one in the series because the children found a way to work instead of stealing. However, I am going to make sure I discuss some of it with my children after they read it. They have the opportunity to live in a home, and Harold (the younger brother) makes it pretty clear that it would make him happy to live there. His sister Frances doesn't want to live under the authority of adults, and she basically dismisses his preference and makes him leave. I don't like how the characters who choose to live in the house are portrayed as weak, and I don't like how Frances refuses to sacrifice so that her brother can have what's best for him (and her). Even the minister ends up saying something about how some people aren't meant to be tied down to one location or something, but I would hope that someone with the wisdom of an adult would realize that all children need to be under the authority of a loving adult who will give them guidance.

[Yapha · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this second book in the Wanderville series, Jack, Frances, Harold, and Alexander are on the run from the original Wanderville. They hope to make it to California, but hop the wrong train. Instead, they end up with a wealthy preacher and his family. He offers to give them a home, but they must follow his rules. The children are unsure that they want to do that, especially when they witness some injustices that really disturb them. It is important to read the first book. There will clearly be a third as well. Recommended for grades 4-6.

[Gina Boyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm starting to love these kids!

[Dana Tuss · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good. Started in the middle of series since I picked it out of the little library. But I'd like to go back and read another one.

[Gwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent Part Two!