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Secrets of the Seven #1
The Eureka Key
When middle school puzzle master Sam and history wiz Martina win a contest for a summer trip across the US, they discover they've been drafted into something vastly more extraordinary. Joining another kid on the trip, Theo, a descendant of George Washington himself, they must follow clues to find seven keys left behind by the Founding Fathers. Together the keys unlock Benjamin Franklin's greatest invention--a secret weapon intended to defend the country. Each key is hidden in a unique location around the U.S., protected with puzzles, riddles, and traps. This has kept the weapon safe . . . until now! Gideon Arnold, a dangerous descendant of the infamous Benedict Arnold, is on the chase.
In competition with Arnold and his thugs to reach the artifacts first, Sam, Martina, Theo, and readers must use their wits to solve ingenious puzzles, escape death-by-booby-trap, and, by the end of the series, save our nation by uncovering many of its greatest secrets.
In competition with Arnold and his thugs to reach the artifacts first, Sam, Martina, Theo, and readers must use their wits to solve ingenious puzzles, escape death-by-booby-trap, and, by the end of the series, save our nation by uncovering many of its greatest secrets.
256 pages, Paperback
First published April 5, 2016
31 people are currently reading
749 people want to read
About the author
Sarah L. Thomson
70 books83 followersSarah L. Thomson has written over thirty books for young readers, including poetry, prose, fiction and nonfiction. Her recent books include Cub's BIG World, which School Library Journal called “a big must-have" and Deadly Flowers: A Ninja's Tale, which Booklist called “genuinely thrilling." She lives in Portland, Maine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
October 21, 2016
Wowie kapowie! This was so amazing. I will be the first to admit that the story is SO unrealistic in terms of actual events in the real world happening. No way would authorities let the stuff slide that they do. BUT it was so educational in an incredibly fun and addictive way. I learned so much from this middle grade novel that I had never heard before. It did exactly as I thought it would, and I'll be entering the black hole of information that is US obscure American history shortly. I cannot wait to read the second book. If you have a kid in your life struggling with putting in the effort to learn American history, get their hands on this. Problem solved.
May 9, 2018
The Eureka Key by Sarah L. Thomson
Sam's eyes were on the clock: 9:54.
- opening line
In this series, Sam and Martina use their brains and skills to solve puzzles that will help find an invention that could save or destroy our nation. After winning a contest, they are on a trip across the country, but it quickly turns into something far more important and dangerous. The founding fathers left clues to seven "keys" that will unlock Benjamin Franklin's greatest invention, but, sinister forces are also searching for the keys. Sam and Martina get along like oil and water, but they must learn to work together to solve the difficult puzzles and avoid booby traps to find the keys first.
In this book (the first in the series), Sam and Martina are looking for Ben Franklin's key. Throughout the book, we learn different facts about Franklin (thanks to Martina's vast knowledge). Most of the story takes place underground as the kids evade the bad guys and try to survive the dangerous puzzles/traps. The keys are vitally important and failing to solve the puzzles could lead to death. Sam and Martina didn't sign up for this, but they are determined to find the keys and thwart the bad guys.
This is a fun adventure/mystery story. Kids who enjoy solving puzzles or have an interest in history will love this book. There are three books in the series so far, but I'm assuming there will eventually be seven (for the seven keys). The keys are not all literal keys like Ben Franklin's key - each one relates to the founding father who hid it. The second book to Thomas Jefferson's Eagle's Quill, and the third to Alexander Hamilton's Ring of Honor.
Recommended to: Ages 9-13, fans of history and adventure stories.
Sam's eyes were on the clock: 9:54.
- opening line
In this series, Sam and Martina use their brains and skills to solve puzzles that will help find an invention that could save or destroy our nation. After winning a contest, they are on a trip across the country, but it quickly turns into something far more important and dangerous. The founding fathers left clues to seven "keys" that will unlock Benjamin Franklin's greatest invention, but, sinister forces are also searching for the keys. Sam and Martina get along like oil and water, but they must learn to work together to solve the difficult puzzles and avoid booby traps to find the keys first.
In this book (the first in the series), Sam and Martina are looking for Ben Franklin's key. Throughout the book, we learn different facts about Franklin (thanks to Martina's vast knowledge). Most of the story takes place underground as the kids evade the bad guys and try to survive the dangerous puzzles/traps. The keys are vitally important and failing to solve the puzzles could lead to death. Sam and Martina didn't sign up for this, but they are determined to find the keys and thwart the bad guys.
This is a fun adventure/mystery story. Kids who enjoy solving puzzles or have an interest in history will love this book. There are three books in the series so far, but I'm assuming there will eventually be seven (for the seven keys). The keys are not all literal keys like Ben Franklin's key - each one relates to the founding father who hid it. The second book to Thomas Jefferson's Eagle's Quill, and the third to Alexander Hamilton's Ring of Honor.
Recommended to: Ages 9-13, fans of history and adventure stories.
June 27, 2017
I enjoyed this book because it had the characters grow and learn values. It also was more of a cooperative effort: rather than having a main character who is the complete hero, the main "cast" are all people with their own personalities, gifts, perspectives, strengths, weaknesses, and they learn to cooperate with, look out for, and appreciate each other. The end goal is also not just to get rich or something selfish like that, but instead benefit not only those in their group, but their entire country. It also includes facts from history, and is a bit reminiscent of National Treasure in the type of plot (puzzles, founding father mysteries, adventure that leaves you hanging....).
February 15, 2018
In The Eureka Key by Sarah L. Thomson, the main characters go on an amazing adventure to hunt down the ancient artifact hidden by Benjamin Franklin himself, The Eureka Key. He doesn't do this alone though, he works with Theo and Marty to discoverer this piece of history. The detail Sarah L. Thomson puts into each scene is amazing and made it impossible for me to put the book down! If you watched the movie "National Treasure" and liked it, this book would definitely be for you. It is similar in the fact that they use facts from history to solve a riddle or crack a code.
April 11, 2023
this book is like 39 clues except with patriotism. also it's undeniably your average mg adventure story but the main character dynamic is weirdly good (better than what you'd expect)
every so often in my life I remember the electrocution scene and go "I should read those books again"
2023 popsugar reading challenge: A book about a holiday/vacation
every so often in my life I remember the electrocution scene and go "I should read those books again"
2023 popsugar reading challenge: A book about a holiday/vacation
October 26, 2016
Three middle school students- puzzle-master Sam, history-whiz Martina, and Theo- win a contest for a trip across America. They quickly discover they have been chosen in order to solve the mystery of seven secret keys hidden by the Founding Fathers. This is the first of the seven stories in which they must uncover artifacts in order to locate the Eureka Key.
This is a good mix of mystery, history and action that will have the middle school reader involved from the first page. This novel reminds me of the Indiana Jones adventures in which they are in the quest for artifacts while being chased. It appears that a god amount of research was done in order to get the facts correct. This would be an excellent choice for the student who wants a historical adventure story. Recommended for grades 5 and up.
This is a good mix of mystery, history and action that will have the middle school reader involved from the first page. This novel reminds me of the Indiana Jones adventures in which they are in the quest for artifacts while being chased. It appears that a god amount of research was done in order to get the facts correct. This would be an excellent choice for the student who wants a historical adventure story. Recommended for grades 5 and up.
May 26, 2020
An excellent book incorporating history, puzzles, and lots of adventure!
November 8, 2016
1. I am writing this review because I thought this book was amazing. This book was so action packed that I couldn't put the book down. The book was so good that the book sucked me in the story.
2. This book was about a guy named Sam. Sam was a trouble maker who loved solving puzzles. Months ago he entered a contest for solving puzzles called the American dream contest. Months later Sam got a letter saying he won the contest and would go to Death Valley over the whole summer. Sam went on a plane to Death Valley and met Evangeline, Theo or Theodore, and Marty. Later the person flying the plane, Theo, and Evangeline were knocked out by water that was poisoned. Sam and Marty had to fly the plane to Death Valley. When at Death Valley Theo,the copilot, and Evangeline wake up. During the tour in Death Valley the tour guide tells them to go wander in Death Valley for some minutes, Evangeline doesn't go with them she goes to sleep on a rock. Sam yells at Marty and she wanders by herself. Sam and Theo hear she is in danger and goes to help and finds there is a snake about to sink its teeth in Marty's skin. Sam throws rocks and Theo does to and the snake leaves and the find a clue to a puzzle. Theo is a descendant of George Washington and Evangeline is a descendant of Benjamin Franklin. Benjamin franklin, George Washington, and others formed a group called Founders. The founders protected Benjamin Franklins most powerful weapon with their lives. Unfortunately the Founders are dead so they passed on their keys to the weapon to descendants. Evangeline father reaveled where the key for Benjamin franklin was before his death. With Marty and Sams key thinking they found the key. But while in search of Benjamin Fanklins key bad guys named Mr.Arnold and Mr.Frontlock tried to get key so they can get the most powerful weapon. In the end they didn't get key but got away to somewhere. The book ended with the summer not being over and am and Marty trying to figure the next clue to Benjamin Franklins weapon.
3 My Favorite part of the book is when they got the key which was Benjamin Franklins. I t was my favorite part because now they have the key component to unlocking weapon.
4 My least favorite part is when the bad guys got away. Now they have to search for bad guys before they get next clue.
5 My question is how did you come with this book? I am asking this question because I am wondering how you got all this information to write this book.
6. I think you should read this book because you can learn something from this book or series, You learn something's about Benjamin Franklin you never knew about.
2. This book was about a guy named Sam. Sam was a trouble maker who loved solving puzzles. Months ago he entered a contest for solving puzzles called the American dream contest. Months later Sam got a letter saying he won the contest and would go to Death Valley over the whole summer. Sam went on a plane to Death Valley and met Evangeline, Theo or Theodore, and Marty. Later the person flying the plane, Theo, and Evangeline were knocked out by water that was poisoned. Sam and Marty had to fly the plane to Death Valley. When at Death Valley Theo,the copilot, and Evangeline wake up. During the tour in Death Valley the tour guide tells them to go wander in Death Valley for some minutes, Evangeline doesn't go with them she goes to sleep on a rock. Sam yells at Marty and she wanders by herself. Sam and Theo hear she is in danger and goes to help and finds there is a snake about to sink its teeth in Marty's skin. Sam throws rocks and Theo does to and the snake leaves and the find a clue to a puzzle. Theo is a descendant of George Washington and Evangeline is a descendant of Benjamin Franklin. Benjamin franklin, George Washington, and others formed a group called Founders. The founders protected Benjamin Franklins most powerful weapon with their lives. Unfortunately the Founders are dead so they passed on their keys to the weapon to descendants. Evangeline father reaveled where the key for Benjamin franklin was before his death. With Marty and Sams key thinking they found the key. But while in search of Benjamin Fanklins key bad guys named Mr.Arnold and Mr.Frontlock tried to get key so they can get the most powerful weapon. In the end they didn't get key but got away to somewhere. The book ended with the summer not being over and am and Marty trying to figure the next clue to Benjamin Franklins weapon.
3 My Favorite part of the book is when they got the key which was Benjamin Franklins. I t was my favorite part because now they have the key component to unlocking weapon.
4 My least favorite part is when the bad guys got away. Now they have to search for bad guys before they get next clue.
5 My question is how did you come with this book? I am asking this question because I am wondering how you got all this information to write this book.
6. I think you should read this book because you can learn something from this book or series, You learn something's about Benjamin Franklin you never knew about.
July 16, 2017
The Eureka Key is very typical of the puzzle solving/adventure genre. The characters are your expected types: enigmatic adults, smart rebel, brainiac book worm and greedy villain. That said, the jock character has hints that he could be multilayered and the characters are at the very least likable. There is the expected Secret Society and of course the lead into the next book. But, if I'm saying it was typical why the high rating?
The rating comes from Sarah Thomson's storytelling. I picked up this book hoping for a good kids mystery/puzzle book - and that is exactly what she delivers. The characters may be typical but they are fun. The puzzles are well done and fun to read about (ignoring the fact that they were set up over 100 years ago and are still in perfect working order.) The pacing has a bit of a slow start but picks up rapidly and doesn't let up which really works. I also really like how really historical events have been woven with fictional ones. It's well done and I'll be very interested to see how it plays out and what the secret society has been guarding.
Typical of the genre? Absolutely. Well told and thought out? Absolutely. Worth a read? I think so.
The rating comes from Sarah Thomson's storytelling. I picked up this book hoping for a good kids mystery/puzzle book - and that is exactly what she delivers. The characters may be typical but they are fun. The puzzles are well done and fun to read about (ignoring the fact that they were set up over 100 years ago and are still in perfect working order.) The pacing has a bit of a slow start but picks up rapidly and doesn't let up which really works. I also really like how really historical events have been woven with fictional ones. It's well done and I'll be very interested to see how it plays out and what the secret society has been guarding.
Typical of the genre? Absolutely. Well told and thought out? Absolutely. Worth a read? I think so.
July 31, 2017
This is book 1 in a seven part series in search of the seven keys left behind by the Founding Fathers of the United States. It could easily be described as a National Treasure for the primary school market. Readers are initially introduced to Sam outsmarting and hacking the school system to change his friend’s report card marks. Clearly, Sam is exceptionally bright but he doesn’t always use his academic, clue solving ability for good. Some of the events in this novel are highly implausible but that just adds to the rollicking fun and adventure. Sam, Theo and Martina find themselves having to land planes, narrowly avoid drowning or being crushed to death and avoid traps by using their mental strengths. It provides a very interesting background to American history and lots of interesting snippets of information about Benjamin Franklin and his many inventions. We found this to be thoroughly engaging and would recommend to fans of Indian Jones or those who enjoy fast paced historical fiction.
Suitable for 10 + - guns, extreme action, adults holding children hostage, mild violence, history and science.
Suitable for 10 + - guns, extreme action, adults holding children hostage, mild violence, history and science.
September 10, 2018
If you like "National Treasure" or anything epic and adventurous with a side of American History and puzzles, then you should read this book! I dove into this and didn't come up till the other side. Reading the 2nd book right now (and learning a lot in a sneaky sort of way).
Heads up: kids in danger, people getting hurt/dying, people lying, epic villains, people are mocked
Good things: History is made cool (!), people stick up for friends, figuring out puzzles, not giving up when the going gets tough, bad guys get their just reward
Heads up: kids in danger, people getting hurt/dying, people lying, epic villains, people are mocked
Good things: History is made cool (!), people stick up for friends, figuring out puzzles, not giving up when the going gets tough, bad guys get their just reward
June 4, 2019
So basically National Treasure for kids (but more like the second National Treasure which was not as good).
I felt the pace for this was off, it started out with not much action, went to a lot of action in the middle (basically non-stop) and then it abruptly ends for the book. The chapters felt too long and I felt like the character development was very drawn out.
It wasn't bad and I guess kids would potentially enjoy it, but more for upper elementary kids than middle school kids (this book was on the ssyra 6-8th grade list). Not bad just average, I personally won't be finishing the series.
I felt the pace for this was off, it started out with not much action, went to a lot of action in the middle (basically non-stop) and then it abruptly ends for the book. The chapters felt too long and I felt like the character development was very drawn out.
It wasn't bad and I guess kids would potentially enjoy it, but more for upper elementary kids than middle school kids (this book was on the ssyra 6-8th grade list). Not bad just average, I personally won't be finishing the series.
December 9, 2021
National Treasure meets Capture the Flag meets every book that matches up three strangers who become great friends and save one another from pitfall after pitfall (Harry Potter, Lightning Thief, Magisterium, etc.). This was a bit over the top for me but I can easily see how middle schoolers will love the action and danger.
Grades 5 and up.
Grades 5 and up.
February 4, 2019
Probably even 3.5 stars. A fun adventure story that reminded me a bit of other multi-clue series (the Seven Wonders series, the League of Seven, 39 Clues, etc.) and the movie National Treasure. Quite a bit of the story was improbable, but I don't think you read these stories for their real world accuracy. The historical facts/clues worked well within the story. I was pleased with how much US history I could recall. 😄
February 21, 2019
I loved this book. It was interesting to me to see the character's attitude, especially Theo and Sam's. This book was a awesome mystery, on a quest in the dessert to find a secret, that lied with George Washington, and perhaps his great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great and a million more greats grandson. If you like mysteries, then pick up this book filed with tricks and traps and an enemy with the heroes.
September 20, 2017
I thought the book was a great read! It takes the mystery/puzzle genre really well and it keeps you asking at the back of your mind,"whats really going on?" Im still wishing the next book was out because it flowed well and the characters really bonded together from hating each other.
May 30, 2018
A juvi National Treasure adventure! Minus Nicholas Cage, which I have to say is a little disappointing. I feel like his puns would've been more clever. Fun concept and creating a good friendship between the characters.
May 30, 2018
A juvi National Treasure adventure! Minus Nicholas Cage, which I have to say is a little disappointing. I feel like his puns would've been more clever. Fun concept and creating a good friendship between the characters.
June 25, 2018
Really Interesting!
I read this book for a thing i have to do over the summer. It turns out this book is really exciting with a few turns on the way. :)
Definitely would recommend that you read this book!
I read this book for a thing i have to do over the summer. It turns out this book is really exciting with a few turns on the way. :)
Definitely would recommend that you read this book!
July 19, 2018
This book is a cross between the American Treasure films and The National Park Mysteries.
Fast-paced and exciting, middle school students should enjoy this mystery. The author has included many interesting historical fact and the National Park settings are an important part of the series.
Fast-paced and exciting, middle school students should enjoy this mystery. The author has included many interesting historical fact and the National Park settings are an important part of the series.
August 16, 2018
This was a fun and exciting book with plenty of action and intrigue. I think fans of The 39 Clues will like this book and series. Readers will learn a little about American history and American historical figures.
Read
November 1, 2019The book was about middle school students that won a contest for a summer the across the country. The were basically sent on mission to unlock an invention which is a secret weapon. They are protected by puzzles, riddles, and traps. They are also hidden.
Read
May 23, 2020This is a fun story! Readers who enjoy puzzles, adventure, and history would enjoy this first book in the Secrets of the Seven series.
Did you enjoy Mr. Lemoncello books? Have you read Kate Messner’s Capture the Flag? Then this will be right up your alley.
Did you enjoy Mr. Lemoncello books? Have you read Kate Messner’s Capture the Flag? Then this will be right up your alley.
July 21, 2024
Intriguing and often intense story that was a fun read aloud with my kids. We enjoyed the puzzle solving and history elements the most. The characters are interesting and being developed well. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
February 22, 2017
Good recommendation for fans of 39 clues.
May 29, 2017
Just not my cup of tea. So incredibly unlikely, and also, so incredibly similar to the 39 Clues books with the emphasis on clues, history, puzzles, etc. Too blatantly educational.
June 2, 2017
Good pick for historical puzzle/mystery/secret society fans. Yet another know-it-all female sidekick made me sigh a bit, but I got over it.
June 7, 2017
Maine Student Book Award Nominee 2017-2018
August 23, 2017
Great start to a series. Quick, action packed storyline. Learn a lot about history. Anxiously awaiting second book!
August 12, 2018
Very engaging for preteens
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews