Hunter Moran Digs Deep

Hunter Moran #3

by Patricia Reilly Giff, Chris Sheban (Illustrator)

Hunter, his twin brother, Zack, and neighborhood pest Sarah Yulefsky are about to be rich. All they have to do is find the hidden hoard of town founder, Lester Dinwitty. It shouldn’t be a problem, because they have clues.

Shovels in hand, the gang sets to work tearing up their town and getting into some tight spots, including Dr. Diglio's dreaded dentist's chair. In a novel that is both humorous and heartwarming, the twins may leave a trail of havoc behind them, but they also make some leaps forward as they discover the true meaning of family unity.

Genres: Mystery, Middle Grade, Childrens

160 pages, Hardcover

First published July 8, 2014

About the author

Patricia Reilly Giff was an American author and educator whose warm, emotionally resonant books made her a beloved figure in children's literature. After spending roughly two decades as a teacher, she turned to writing and brought a deep understanding of young readers to stories that balanced humor, resilience, and emotional truth. Educated at Marymount Manhattan College, St. John's University, and Hofstra University, she drew on both her classroom experience and literary instincts to create memorable fiction for children and middle-grade readers. She became especially well known for the popular Polk Street School series, which captured the everyday dramas of school life with charm and empathy. Beyond those books, she wrote acclaimed novels such as Lily's Crossing, Nory Ryan's Song, Pictures of Hollis Woods, Eleven, and Genevieve's War, often exploring themes of belonging, family, hardship, and courage. Her work earned wide recognition, including Newbery Honors, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults designation, and a Christopher Award. Giff also influenced younger writers through her workshops and teaching spirit. Throughout her career, she remained a compassionate literary voice whose stories spoke directly to children's fears, hopes, and imaginations.

Reviews

[La Coccinelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked up this book at the library, thinking that it would be a fun, quick read. I'd read another of the author's middle-grade books, Pictures of Hollis Woods, and really enjoyed it. I did not, however, enjoy this book. It's so weak, I can hardly believe it's by the same author.

The main problem I had with this book is that, though it is classed as "middle grade", it comes across as really young. Insultingly, condescendingly young. I'm not sure how old Hunter and his twin brother are supposed to be (I can't recall him ever telling us), but judging by the kids' actions in the story (and the fact that their friend has braces), I'm guessing they're about ten. I've read books for younger middle graders before and enjoyed them. But there's a fine line between writing for kids and writing down to them. This book did the latter. It was also directed squarely at middle grade boys, to the point where girls of the same age probably would have been insulted. There are two main girl characters: the twins' older sister, Linny, and their classmate, Sarah Yulefski. The former is portrayed as a bossy busybody who's obsessed with ski trips to Switzerland; the latter is portrayed as a know-it-all with bad hygiene who is, inexplicably, liked by all the adults in town.

The characterization is uneven at best, and downright stupid at worst. Younger brother Steadman is supposed to be five, and when he isn't letting out bloodcurdling screams to show his displeasure or fear, he's solving everyone else's problems and acting like a savant. Older brother William comes out of nowhere at the most opportune times and saves the day. (What would you call that? Frater ex machina?) The teachers at school are one-dimensional caricatures of aged nuns. The town dentist is a sadist, and apparently doesn't even require payment or insurance before breaking out the drill. The parents barely interact with their own kids, which is odd since they decided to have seven of them. The mother's only defining characteristic is being a terrible cook (tuna fish and marmalade sandwiches, anyone?) which, again, is odd considering she appears to be a stay-at-home mother. The father just seems tired all the time and has to put in long hours at work... presumably because he has so many kids. Even the dog, Fred, is annoying. He's extremely vicious, biting and snapping at people, and even frothing at the mouth... and yet he's considered an appropriate family pet, even with two babies in the household.

Then there's the whole stupid plot with the buried treasure. You can't tell me that, in over 100 years, with all the people who have searched for it, these kids were the only ones smart enough to find it. If they had been given a clue that nobody else had had, I might have bought it. But when the clues turned out to have been in plain sight all along, and these kids were the only ones smart enough to figure out where the treasure was buried? I'm sorry, but no. That is not believable at all.

The best thing about this book is that the writing was technically correct. The worst thing, on the other hand, was pretty much everything else. I'm sure there are better books out there for middle-grade boys. Skip this one.

Quotable moment:

So there I am. Trapped for the next hour. Beating drums, banging cymbals, with Sister Ramona yelling "Yowdie Yo!" every few minutes.

But something strange is happening. I can feel the beat of the drum in my head, and in my chest. It's actually soothing. No, that's the wrong word. It's better than that. It feels pretty exciting.

But then Sister Ramona raises one hand, fingers to her lips, tilting her head toward the coal room. "I think we have a killer here. I don't know much about him, but his name is Fred, and he speaks a strange language."

http://theladybugreads.blogspot.ca/20...

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first book and I liked this one as well. Although this is a different style than some of her other offerings, this book is a humorous look at what young boys who assume things can get in to.

[Bella Nordloh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun story but the writing is very simple and has a pretty straightforward plot. Might be good for a first chapter book though?

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

With each new entry in this series, I'm growing steadily more entertained by the Moran family. Mom's inability to prepare an edible meal or dish--even her cookies are slightly burned at the edges--and Father's constant working and cluelessness about what his boys are up to only add to the complexity of the book and the series. In this installment, Hunter and his twin brother Zack become convinced that one of their ancestors hid treasure somewhere nearby. The two boys unwillingly team up with that annoying Sarah Yulefsky to find the treasure. But others have found the same clues as they have, and it's a race to see who will find the treasure first. As they dig up ground, slide down chutes, and try to fool a couple of nuns, they have plenty of fun and a scare or two. Plus, Hunter just may have found his true talent. Brimming with humor and evidence of close family bonds, this book is, above all, fun to read and highly entertaining. I hope there will be more books about Hunter and his clan.

[Angie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hunter and his twin brother Zack are out to find the treasure left by the town founder Lester Dinwitty. They team up with Sarah Yulefski and look for clues. They are followed and assisted by little brother Steadman. Bradley the Bully and their sister Linny are also looking for the treasure. They keep getting mysterious clues and help from someone. Their search leads them from the cemetery to the school basement and drum lessons to the train station and certain doom. Even though the characters in this book are older, it is clearly written for the beginning chapter book reader. The story is in some ways simple and in others completely uncomprehending. The whole treasure hunt scenario doesn't make the most sense. And there are certain other things that really had me scratching my head in puzzlement. It takes a bit to find the story believable or possible. I think it is a good series for younger readers but can't image anyone much older than 2nd/3rd grade enjoying it.

[Teresa Bateman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hunter, his twin brother, his whacky family, and his crazy friends are back in another easy chapter book adventure. Is there really a treasure hidden in his town? If so, everyone is after it, including Hunter. Of course, treasure-hunting comes at a price. The leaves don't get raked. Nuns must be appeased. A dog has a birthday party. You know, same old same old in Hunter's wildly imaginative life. He also discovers he has a gift for percussion. What is the treasure, really? Hunter and his friends aren't stopping until they find it. This is another fun-filled book about a boy with more imagination than sense. Children should enjoy it.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just finished reading this book, and I have no idea what I read. The writing is technically very good, but the voice of the main character seems WAY off, and nothing about this story rings true.

[Carol Moore Kollar · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually love Giff's books but this was disappointing and seemed unrealistic.....at least for kindergarteners. Maybe you had to read others in the series first.

[Lee Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the FUCKING TITS