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The Dare Sisters #1
The Dare Sisters
The Goonies meets Book Scavenger when three sisters hunt for Blackbeard’s legendary treasure in this action-packed middle grade novel from Jess Rinker, The Dare Sisters.
“The Dare sisters are hunting for treasure, but the real treasure is the story that unfolds in the pages of this book. It’s smart, funny and full of heart; I couldn’t put this rollicking adventure down.” —Kathi Appelt, author of The Underneath
Savannah Dare has always wanted to be a pirate. She grew up on legends of Blackbeard from her grandfather—her best friend and fellow treasure hunter.
But now he’s gone. Savannah and her sisters, Frances and Jolene are left to find Blackbeard’s lost loot on their own. It was their grandfather’s dream, and they can’t let him down.
No one else in their small town on Ocracoke Island believes Blackbeard’s treasure is truly still out there . . . no one except their grandfather’s mysterious old business partner, who’s determined to find it himself. And when their family home is endangered, the Dare sisters realize finding Blackbeard’s treasure is their only hope!
An Imprint Book
“The Dare sisters are hunting for treasure, but the real treasure is the story that unfolds in the pages of this book. It’s smart, funny and full of heart; I couldn’t put this rollicking adventure down.” —Kathi Appelt, author of The Underneath
Savannah Dare has always wanted to be a pirate. She grew up on legends of Blackbeard from her grandfather—her best friend and fellow treasure hunter.
But now he’s gone. Savannah and her sisters, Frances and Jolene are left to find Blackbeard’s lost loot on their own. It was their grandfather’s dream, and they can’t let him down.
No one else in their small town on Ocracoke Island believes Blackbeard’s treasure is truly still out there . . . no one except their grandfather’s mysterious old business partner, who’s determined to find it himself. And when their family home is endangered, the Dare sisters realize finding Blackbeard’s treasure is their only hope!
An Imprint Book
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2020
2 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
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July 10, 2021An exciting adventure that's packed with mystery, action, and a whole lot of heart. I love the Dare sisters!
July 4, 2024
I really enjoyed this one! I definitely felt “The Goonies” vibes and was excited when it was alluded to in the novel! Great heart and characters. The grandpa connection hit home and made me sad at times, but that’s because Jess Rinker wanted it to. Can’t wait to see what’s next for the Dare Sisters in book 2!
June 5, 2020
Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss+ for an eARC of this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story about three sisters who lose their grandfather, but are determined to continue his search for Blackbeard's treasure by following the clues that he left for them.
Savvy, Frankie, and Jolene were told stories about Blackbeard their whole life by their grandfather. As a treasure hunter, he spent countless hours searching for the answers to unsolved mysteries, including the one that said Blackbeard buried his treasure right in their small town on Ocracoke Island. But their grandfather dies before he's able to prove his claim, and Savannah is determined to continue his mission to uncover it. Following clues that she believes her grandfather has left for them, the three sisters embark on a scavenger hunt with the hope of finding the missing treasure, and saving their home which they are at risk of losing to one of their grandfather's old business partners. Can the girls finish what their grandfather couldn't, and save their home before it's taken from them?
This was a feel good story about three sisters trying to keep the magic of their grandfather's stories alive. It's also about hope, faith, and family. I enjoyed how each sister had an important role to play in the story, and the loyalty that Savvy showed to her grandfather. It appears that this is a series, and look forward to reading more from the author.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story about three sisters who lose their grandfather, but are determined to continue his search for Blackbeard's treasure by following the clues that he left for them.
Savvy, Frankie, and Jolene were told stories about Blackbeard their whole life by their grandfather. As a treasure hunter, he spent countless hours searching for the answers to unsolved mysteries, including the one that said Blackbeard buried his treasure right in their small town on Ocracoke Island. But their grandfather dies before he's able to prove his claim, and Savannah is determined to continue his mission to uncover it. Following clues that she believes her grandfather has left for them, the three sisters embark on a scavenger hunt with the hope of finding the missing treasure, and saving their home which they are at risk of losing to one of their grandfather's old business partners. Can the girls finish what their grandfather couldn't, and save their home before it's taken from them?
This was a feel good story about three sisters trying to keep the magic of their grandfather's stories alive. It's also about hope, faith, and family. I enjoyed how each sister had an important role to play in the story, and the loyalty that Savvy showed to her grandfather. It appears that this is a series, and look forward to reading more from the author.
September 21, 2020
An engaging story of three sisters and their quest to keep their grandfather’s legacy alive by unlocking clues and searching for buried treasure. Sweet, unique characters.
April 1, 2022
The Dare Sisters follows the adventures of the three titular sisters, Frankie, Savvy, and Jolene as they embark on a quest following the clues their beloved grandpa left in the wake of his death...that might just possibly lead to the treasures of the legendary Blackbeard. I initially picked it up because of the puzzle-solving element it advertised. It wound up being a smaller portion than I expected, but I ended up staying for the sisters.
We have Frankie, the athletic and friendly eldest daughter. Then our main character Savvy, the impulsive and tomboyish middle child most like her grandfather. Finally there's the youngest, Jolene, equally adorable and fierce with her princess dresses and nautical eye patch. Their contrasting personalities make for a wonderful dynamic. My only complaint is that Jolene's characterization and presence felt a bit lacking compared to the elder two. However, that can be explained by her young age, which prevents her from playing an especial significant role in the plot.
With the backdrop of a small town in a small island, the promise of exciting pirate(!) treasure, and a shady antagonist, The Dare Sisters proved itself to be a highly enjoyable read full of heart about the bond between three sisters and their love for home and family. Who cares that the premise is highly unrealistic? I was swept along for the ride, and will have a second go when I pick up its sequel.
Recommended for ages 8 and up.
We have Frankie, the athletic and friendly eldest daughter. Then our main character Savvy, the impulsive and tomboyish middle child most like her grandfather. Finally there's the youngest, Jolene, equally adorable and fierce with her princess dresses and nautical eye patch. Their contrasting personalities make for a wonderful dynamic. My only complaint is that Jolene's characterization and presence felt a bit lacking compared to the elder two. However, that can be explained by her young age, which prevents her from playing an especial significant role in the plot.
With the backdrop of a small town in a small island, the promise of exciting pirate(!) treasure, and a shady antagonist, The Dare Sisters proved itself to be a highly enjoyable read full of heart about the bond between three sisters and their love for home and family. Who cares that the premise is highly unrealistic? I was swept along for the ride, and will have a second go when I pick up its sequel.
Recommended for ages 8 and up.
May 29, 2025
The Dare Sisters takes a while to get going, but the characters are likable and the treasure-hunting plot, once it finds its groove, is fun.
Wear helmets while skateboarding!
Read-alike: The Truth According to Blue
Wear helmets while skateboarding!
Read-alike: The Truth According to Blue
January 30, 2021
Loved this story. Pirates, mystery and so much more. You don't have to be a middle grader to be lured in by these little pirates but a perfect read for every young person who loves a good adventure story, and for those who are coping with the loss of a grandparent or any adult they loved dearly.
September 5, 2021
3.75 stars for this treasure hunt save the family drama
March 24, 2022
A really fun adventure mystery story!
January 23, 2024
I’m always on the lookout for good middle grade books. When I saw The Dare Sisters I immediately wanted to read it since the story is set on Ocracoke Island. I love the Outer Banks and love reading books set there.
Unfortunately The Dare Sisters wasn’t as good as I expected. The Dare Sisters, Frankie, Savannah, and Jolene had a bit more attitude than I prefer, especially Savannah who’s point of view the book is written in.
The whole storyline about searching for Blackbeard’s hidden treasure on Ocracoke was fun.
A couple times throughout the story the sisters use something that they call the Star Board and they describe it as being like an Ouija board to contact ghosts and they use it to ask Blackbeard’s ghost questions.
Because of the Star Board and the attitudes of the girls it’s not really a book I’d recommend to middle graders unless it’s one they read with their parents so they could discuss things.
Like I said before, I love the setting and the idea of three sisters searching for buried treasure, the actual story itself just wasn’t what I was hoping for.
Unfortunately The Dare Sisters wasn’t as good as I expected. The Dare Sisters, Frankie, Savannah, and Jolene had a bit more attitude than I prefer, especially Savannah who’s point of view the book is written in.
The whole storyline about searching for Blackbeard’s hidden treasure on Ocracoke was fun.
A couple times throughout the story the sisters use something that they call the Star Board and they describe it as being like an Ouija board to contact ghosts and they use it to ask Blackbeard’s ghost questions.
Because of the Star Board and the attitudes of the girls it’s not really a book I’d recommend to middle graders unless it’s one they read with their parents so they could discuss things.
Like I said before, I love the setting and the idea of three sisters searching for buried treasure, the actual story itself just wasn’t what I was hoping for.
November 16, 2022
This could have been such a fun book but there were enough negatives in it that I would not recommend it to my children or friends. The biggest red flag for me was multiple uses of the "star board". On page 26 you read this as part of its description: "It's like a Ouija board, to contact ghosts, only instead of an alphabet across the board, is star description, and each one stands for a letter". The is also lying, sneaking out, and yelling at parents. We were so excited for this book but those things were disappointing.
April 6, 2023
Excited to read the next
June 23, 2023
We read this as a nightly read aloud with our 7 and 9 year old. They loved this book and the sequel book too "The Dare Sisters Shipwrecked".
September 10, 2022
The Dare sisters are on an adventure to find clues to a buried treasure left by their grandfather. Mr. Throop, grandpa’s former assistant has been secretly following them and is after the same treasure. This fun story leads you to help solve a mystery and the family home.
Want to read
June 6, 2020Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
July 9, 2024
3.5 stars
I think I enjoyed it a little more than my kids did.
I think I enjoyed it a little more than my kids did.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews