Graysen Foxx and the Treasure of Principal Redbeard (School Treasure Hunter) | Treasure Hunt - Book 1, Treasure Hunter Series

Graysen Foxx #1

by J. Scott Savage

Join Graysen Foxx on a wild, treasure-hunting adventure!

Ordinary Elementary is anything but ordinary. Below the classrooms are winding, abandoned, underground passages filled with lost treasures. Fifth-grader Graysen Foxx, aka The Gray Fox—finder of secrets, solver of mysteries, and explorer of the unknown—is hot on the trail of the legendary treasure of Principal Redbeard, which includes decades of confiscated gadgets, rare comic books, first-edition Pokémon trading cards, an original Rubik’s Cube, and a retro handheld video game.

Graysen is determined to find the treasure and share it with his fellow students. His nemesis, Raven Ransom—nicknamed “Red Raven”—plans to stop him and claim the prizes for herself, just like she did with the game-winning home run kickball everyone thought was lost on the roof of the school.

Wearing his adventurer-iconic fedora, journaling in his field notebook, and wielding his elastic stretchy hand, Graysen is ready for action. But can he avoid the second-grade spy network working for Raven? Could the third-grade twins, Maya and Jack, give him an advantage? Can he avoid the ruthless sixth graders while trying to protect the innocent first graders? And who is the mysterious Midnight Moth who is leaving cryptic notes and riddles?

It's a battle between courage and cunning, smarts and shrewdness, charity and cheating. With the treasure on the line, can Graysen trust his rival—or is it just another one of her traps? May the best treasure hunter win!

Genres: Middle Grade, Fiction, Fantasy, Humor, Adventure, Mystery, Audiobook

256 pages, Hardcover

Published March 7, 2023

About the author

J Scott Savage is the author of 19 novels including the Mysteries of Cove series, the Farworld series, and the Case File 13 series, and the Lost Wonderland Diaries.

He has been writing books for over twenty years. His books have received various recognitions including Junior Library Selection, Starred reviews from PW and Kirkus, Amazon Book of the Month,
Barnes and Noble Select book, and several state award nominations.

He has visited over 2500 schools, dozens of writers conferences, and taught many writing classes. He has four children and seven grandchildren. He lives with his wife Jennifer in a windy valley of the Rocky Mountains.




He loves hearing from his readers at info@jscottsavage.com

Reviews

[Dir Mud 9999 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed reading this story from beginning to end. the riddles of Principal Redbear's treasure has always kept me curious.
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It didn't stop there, the involvement of Graysen Foxx, his friends and his nemesis Raven in the search for the treasure turned out was ridden by one of the school staff who also wanted that treasure. So what exactly were that hidden treasures? Then where were they? Who did mastermind the searching for the treasure of principal Redbeard?
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It was An adventurous and quite-exciting-puzzle-solving story. The element of friendship, co-operation, competition and jealousy in the children point of view that actually was interesting, but I still need more excitement in the story, such as challenges that should have made me think more.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

J. Scott Savage’s new book series for middle grade students puts a Raiders of the Lost Ark spin on a K-6 school filled with secret spaces and hidden treasures. Graysen has been a treasure hunter for years and has a fedora and elastic sticky hand as part of his equipment. He has managed to find all sorts of interesting objects but always seems to lose his discoveries to arch nemesis Red Raven. The whole book is almost a spoof of schools everywhere with its cafeteria of yucky foods, a library full of kids whose focus is getting the next installment in popular series books, 6th graders who torment those in the grades below and basements filled with stacks of old textbooks and desks. Laughs abound and so do the clues to a former principal’s stash of confiscated contraband from a host of students who never got their do-dads back. Readers in grades 4-6 will love this one. The pace is quick, a few twists are sure to surprise and all will be watching for the sequel. Text is free of profanity, violence and sexual content.

Thanks for the arc, Shadow Mountain Press.

[Riella Cristobal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited to read a MG book, because I haven't been reading too many recently. This type of adventure book was what I grew up reading! Ordinary Elementary is full of surprises, mysteries, like the underground passages filled with lost treasures. Graysen Foxx, aka The Gray Fox is a fifth grader treasure hunter and explorer. Upon hearing of the legendary treasure of Principle Redbeard, he is determined to find it and share it with his fellow students, as long as he gets to it before his nemesis, Raven Ransom, or the “Red Raven”. But as the mysteries pile up and the puzzles become more dangerous, will Graysen be able to win?
This was a really fun book for the age range! It was full of excitement and action. Graysen’s POV was interesting and provided a clear picture into the fantastical world of Ordinary Elementary. What a cool world! It had elements of classic adventure stories, with the unique setting of a elementary school. His narration felt youthful and lighthearted, while also fitting the treasure-hunter vibe of the book. It was humorous and silly at times, but I felt like it really fit the story.
The puzzles and mystery of the story was also really intriguing. I think young readers will enjoy following Graysen’s escapades and solving it along with him. There is little adult influence in this book, except for a few teachers. There is a strong emphasis on friendships and helping others throughout the story. I would recommend this to young readers who are interested in adventure stories or treasure hunts or just a fun story!


I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

[Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Graysen Foxx is the kind of kid I think I've taught before. You know, the one with a huge imagination, lots of energy, and a perchance to often take the road less traveled. The minute I started reading this new novel by Author J. Scott Savage I knew I'd found a new book my students were going to love. This middle-grade adventure novel is full of humor, action, and great mysteries to solve. What kid doesn't dream about looking for lost treasure? This treasure happens to be somewhere at Graysen Foxx's school.

Some things that I know will resonate with kids between the ages of 8-13 are:

-puzzle solving

-friendship

-standing up to bullies

-sticky hands (they are always the things that go first in my class store!)

-rumors about teachers and principals: present and past

-cafeteria food

-looking for secret treasures

This creative and imaginative read will keep kids reading as Graysen is searching for former principal Redbeard's treasure. His arch nemesis, Red Raven, is always there to mess up Graysen's plans and steal his thunder and his prizes. With the help of third-grade twins Maya and Jack, Graysen always has great back up whatever situation he finds himself in. There are other groups involved in the excitement like the Second-Grade spy network working for Raven, and the fierce sixth graders that run the school.

Boys and girls will find the novel a lot of fun. This book will make a great class read-aloud. It will be fun to see what other adventure Graysen Foxx goes on in the next book.

[Tales Untangled · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Shadow Mountain in exchange for my opinions.

GRAYSEN FOXX AND THE TREASURE OF PRINCIPAL REDBEARD is a delightful adventure!

There are so many things to love, and you kids are going to eat it up! Greyson Foxx is a fifth grader and the Delago twins are in third grade. There's also the Second Grade Spy Network. Because of the many ages, I think even more kids will identify with the characters and fun.

- Indiana Jones level of excitement
- A trusty fedora (yeah, that's for Gray)
- Mischief
- So stinkin' funny
- A sticky hand
- Great characters to love (think sidekicks) and hate (think Red Raven)
- Fabulous puzzle (talk about a puzzler—your kids will love it)
- Adventure (seriously, the first chapter is titled "The Maze of Death")
- Secret tunnels
- More secrets
- And TREASURE!!!

This book has the perfect tone for your middle grade readers to keep them smiling and turning pages.

Happy reading!

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

This was a fun romp for elementary school students who like goofy fantasy adventures. I feel like a lot of schools have a Desk Mountain (pile of old metal desks), and I personally have removed books from my school with 1969 copyrights that were languishing in a book room, so it didn't seem too much of a stretch that there were books from the 1880s in a deep level of the basement. This had a bit of a film noir/Indiana Jones/The Librarian feel to it that felt more elementary school, especially since a lot of the "treasures" that Graysen is seeking are toys.

I really like this author's Mysteries of Cove and Case File 13 series, but may pass on this one. It reminded me a bit of Chapman's Homeroom Headhunters, where children were living in the ceiling of the school, and while I liked that one, I can't get anyone to read it.

This book would be a big success with fifth graders who really want to wear a fedora themselves!

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One word to describe this book, clever. But I do need more words to describe how much fun this book is. I started reading and a smile never left my face. Many times I was laughing out loud, but always smiling. It’s a wonderfully fun, adventurous read. The illustrations brought this story to life and the imagery throughout was so perfect. Again, I smiled a lot. Graysen and his third grade helpers were immensely enjoyable. Maya and Jack were so funny. Such wonderfully loyal friends. Graysen made other surprising friends along the way. Great twists and puzzles too. This book is so fun and I can’t wait for more.

I received an ecopy from Netgalley. All views and opinions expressed are my own.

[Abigail McKenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so much fun! Full of riddles, mysteries, and pop culture references that kept me smiling the whole way through. Graysen is a great middle-grade protagonist, and I can definitely see myself recommending this to younger readers! Four stars from me!

**I received a copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.**

[Angela (justwant_2read) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My sons review “If this book was going to be rated by stars, it would have 6!” He hopes there will be more Grayson Foxx books coming!!

[Karen Hammond · Rating 5 out of 5]

The children loved this clever funny book. It was exciting and very amusing. It does make the children's schools boring (apparently) and they would like an exchange.

[Jackson Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The prose is HILARIOUS. Knock-out concept
That delivers on every page. Probably Savage at his best. Genuinely loved this book.

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did you imagine secret passageways in your elementary school when you were little? Or perhaps mysteries that happened years ago? Graysen Foxx and the Treasure of Principal Redbeard brought back the sweet, imaginative days of elementary school. Graysen aka the Gray Fox is a fedora wearing 5th grader who like Indiana Jones is a sort of elementary school archeologist who searches for long forgotten school treasures and solves mysteries. Ordinary Elementary School has secret tunnels, passages, and treasures hidden in those piles of ancient wooden desks. With his reliable sticky hand and his two sidekicks Maya and Jack, he tries to outwit his nemesis Raven Ransom aka “the Red Raven” from beating him to the treasures.

When he discovers an old book that alludes to Principal Redbeard’s hidden treasure, he seeks out the dreaded sixth graders, and “the Oracle” of the library to find clues to where it could be stashed. With plenty of riddles and Indiana Jones like booby traps, the trio face all sorts of danger to find where Redbeard’s horde of old confiscated toys might be found. But, will they be able to outwit Raven or is there someone else who has a vested interest in them discovering the lost treasure?

I enjoyed this funny, clever book. I had a big imagination in elementary school and loved mysteries, so this book would have been right up my alley. This would be a great read-a-loud book for kids, and adults would enjoy the references to their own childhood, like those heavy wooden desks, the library card files, those date stamps librarians used for checking out books, and other nostalgic remnants from before smart phones and tablets.

I loved Graysen’s goodness and his willingness to do what was best for others rather than just himself. He’s a great leader and a funny, smart kid. It’s so refreshing to read about a male main character who’s brave, smart, kind, and fun. I also appreciated the fact that there was no potty humor, language, or adult content that parents have to worry about. There are some mentions of bullying and very mild violence/suspenseful situations.

Highly recommend this book to kids between the ages of seven and twelve with 3rd to 5th graders being the ideal audience. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review. 4 1/2 stars

[Monica H at The Readathon · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you were in elementary school, did you ever wonder what lived down in the school’s basement, attic, or that old storage closet? How big were your ambitions? Are we talking old files from 1963 or are we talking treasure? Well, if you stick with Graysen Foxx, you might walk past those old 1963 files…enroute to finding treasure! When you think Graysen Foxx, think mini–Indiana Jones: the school edition. He may not be exploring the Pyramids in Egypt, but he is exploring the pyramids of old desks! I loved Graysen Foxx and the Treasure of Principal Redbeard by J. Scott Savage!!

First, the cover art. The amazing Brandon Dorman has done it again--the cover art captures Graysen Foxx and his adventures perfectly. Brandon Dorman has even added a few illustrations here and there throughout the book, and they add the perfect touch.

Now, to the story. What a fun adventure! Seriously. I’m an adult, and I couldn’t stop reading. I read the whole book in one sitting! Savage’s writing style is easy to read, understand, and follow, and it has some fun puns, alliterations, metaphors, and descriptions. When you get to the part about The Forsaken Field or the Diabolical Dump, call me—I shudder just thinking about them!

I love the creativity of this book! The plot seamlessly flows while also taking you on a crazy ride. Hold on! There are a few twists and turns that manage to turn everything upside down!

Another thing I loved about this book was how Graysen Foxx is a great adventurer AND a great kid. He’s kind, thoughtful, helpful, and puts people first. He runs into crazy stuff, but he always keeps his head and his heart. By doing this, he brings the other students around him up as well.

If your early-reader, middle-grader, or early YA (3rd-7th graders) like adventure/exploration/treasure finding stories, he or she will love this book! I hope there are many more to come just like it!

-Profanity: None
-Intimacy: None
-Violence: Minor (There is some brief bullying.)

Highly recommended for 3rd-7th graders!

You may read my full review on my book blog: thereadathon.com.

[Vicky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Something about the narrative voice in this book just didn’t work for me. Maybe it was the over-use of comparisons, metaphors and similes. Sometimes it’s better just to say things straight, not constantly make humorous comparisons. The comparisons were cute, but Savage really laid it on thick. Too thick.

The story itself is a sort of elementary school Indiana Jones, adventuring through the myths and legends of his school in search of treasure. I would definitely classify it as fantasy, although firmly rooted in the real world. Some of the interpersonal dynamics are true to elementary school life; others are greatly exaggerated for comic effect.

I think my favorite characters were sidekicks Maya and Jack. Their loyalty and dogged determination to help Graysen to prevail over Red Raven were a nice touch.

The conclusion of the adventure was appropriate, with some twists and turns along the way, as people don’t always act the way Graysen assumed they would. Who is really helping…and who has an ulterior motive?

In the end, this is a solid series starter, but not one I think I’ll need to continue in.

Possible Objectionable Material:
Lots of sneaking around and Indiana Jones-style booby traps. And yet, somehow Graysen is never actually injured! Young children eat crayons, other immature behavior.

Who Might Like This Book:
Anyone who likes adventure, particularly fans of Indiana Jones.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my opinion.

This book is also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2...

[A.L. Sowards]

If Indiana Jones had been born a century later, to an average American family, I think he would have been just like Graysen Foxx. Seriously, this book had some Raiders of the Lost Ark vibes, but in an elementary school setting, and it absolutely worked.

As the book opens, Graysen Foxx is searching for a legendary laminated hall pass, only to have it stolen by his rival treasure-hunter. Stuck in detention, Graysen learns about a treasure that might be even better than the lost hall pass: all the confiscated toys, cards, and childhood treasures gathered by an old elementary school principal. So begins a new quest that has Graysen tracking down clues, searching through scary parts of the playground, and running up against mean 6th graders.

The book was funny, engaging, and I loved that there were roles for kids from all the elementary school grades. Throughout the adventure, Graysen is confronted over and over again with the dilemma of looking out for himself or looking out for his fellow students, even when it might cost him, and that life lesson ends up being important to the story in multiple ways.

I read this with my 2nd grade son and he loved it. Then his sisters (technically not in elementary school anymore) each read the book in rapid succession. All of us are looking forward to more adventures with Graysen Foxx. If you or a reader in your home enjoy delightfully funny and clever middle-grade adventures, I recommend adding this to your list.

Thank you to the publisher and author for the advance copy.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

In full disclosure. I could only get halfway through. I have a history of being a completionist but have so many books in my lineup that I've had to give myself permission to call it if I have to and this was one of those times. In a way though, that's telling in itself.

I think this book is caught between trying to capture the feel of an Indiana Jones-esque adventure and a modernized fourth grade version of a hardboiled detective story and because it can't really pick a lane it isn't really a good fit for either.

I dig a fun kid sleuth story starting from Nate the Great and Encyclopedia Jones to Half Moon Investigations and Ruby Redfort and on and on. A lot of the ones that have charmed me the most employ a deadpan humor and nods to noir or pulp detection fiction tropes, so I had expected to like this a lot more because it seemed to have those bones. Along with the muddled tone though, I feel like it tipped the balance of being a little winky to wearing out its welcome. There were chapters where it felt like there was a simile dropping every two sentences: (not a direct example but along the lines of, "Something was fishy here... like the egg salad sandwich I forgot about and left in my locker for a week." I think some of these might have landed much better if they were more spaced out, but when they're relentlessly raining down the joke loses the zing. Also, so much was devoted to the schtick of it all the characters got a little lost. Halfway in I really didn't feel invested in any of the characters, including the protagonist.

[Emma]

Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the digital ARC!

This was such a fun book to read. If you remember the old cartoon show Recess, this has a very similar feel with some Indiana Jones mixed in. The main character, Graysen, is trying to find the lost treasure of Principal Spencer (AKA Principal Redbeard) before his nemesis, Red Raven, finds it. Graysen has to solve many puzzles and riddles and explore many areas of Ordinary Elementary in order to finish his quest.

The different characters are a lot of fun. Graysen considers himself an archaeologist and searches for treasures like ancient laminated hall passes and the Hand Dryer of Doom. The other characters are all colorful and fun characters and the social hierarchy and dynamics of the school are very reminiscent of the cartoon Recess.

I also really enjoyed the writing style in this book. The similes and metaphors were especially fun to read, and the overall feel of the story was like a hard-boiled detective mystery mixed with an Indiana Jones story, but from the perspective of a fifth-grader.

Overall, this was super fun to read and I think older elementary school kids will have a lot of fun with this book as well.

[Jessica Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

You may remember author J. Scott Savage from his Mystery of the Cove books about dragons for middle readers. That popular fantasy series skewed slightly older, while the first book of his new series — Graysen Foxx, School Treasure Hunter — skews slightly younger.

The best part of Graysen Foxx and the Treasure of Principal Redbeard is Graysen himself. From the start, Savage has Graysen’s voice nailed down. Graysen’s snappy tone, his bravado, his sense of adventure all practically fly off the page. And, thanks to Graysen’s narration, the story unfolds in an almost cinematic fashion.

Graysen Foxx and the Treasure of Principal Redbeard starts out with a bang, and the action doesn’t stop. Savage’s pacing is fast — although he does allow room for taking a few breaths here and there — and engaging. And Brandon Dorman’s illustrations, which are sprinkled throughout, take the creativity up a notch and provide a visual break for those who need it.

Graysen Foxx and the Treasure of Principal Redbeard is the sort of adventure that even the most reluctant of readers will get caught up in. It’s fun to read aloud, and would work well in a classroom setting. I can see this becoming a go-to series for lots of mystery-loving, adrenaline-seeking readers.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique adventure book for kids. Written by the talented author of the Far World and Mysteries of Cove series as well as The Lost Wonderland Diaries.

Graysen and his helpers Maya and Jack are searching for treasure - toys confiscated by the previous principal who left suddenly before returning them to their owners. Raven is also trying to find the treasure and spoils many of their plans. The setting is a little confusing because the story takes place in our world at an elementary school, but is described as though they are in another world with hidden passageways and mysterious storage rooms.

The author uses tons of figurative language. Honestly, I think there’s too much because it slows down the story, but I enjoyed many of his tongue in cheek descriptions. Some will probably appeal more to adults and made me laugh. I would include my favorites, but I read an ARC and have been asked to wait for the published version for quotes.

I like the way the students learn to work together on a common goal. Graysen is a great character and cares more about helping people than winning. I love the message that people are what is most important. I’m not the target audience but I still wanted to see how it ends and if they find the treasure. Thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC to use for my review.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

You may remember that I said I read Alpha and Omega, by Harry Turtledove, all the way back in 2020, because the cover had a picture of the Ark of the Covenant on it. And I am a huge Indiana Jones fan. That was much the same in the case of Graysen Foxx and the Treasure of Principal Redbeard, by J. Scott Savage. The cover of this book gave off even stronger Indy vibes. I mean, it features a kid wearing a fedora, with a sticky hand standing in for a bullwhip. Plus, the title is written in the same style as the Indiana Jones logo. Also, I know how funny and fitting it is that I read this book just as the movie Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is about to come out.

Having now actually read Graysen Foxx and the Treasure of Principal Redbeard, I can describe it as Indiana Jones meets the Disney Channel cartoon Recess, or the Nickelodeon cartoon Hey Arnold! It had interesting characters and a fun plot, with lots of exciting action scenes that even Indiana Jones himself would envy. I loved this book! I can't wait to read the 2nd book in the Graysen Foxx: School Treasure Hunter series, Graysen Foxx and the Curse of the Illuminerdy.

[Jan farnworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Graysen Foxx and the Treasure of Principal Redbeard is a middle-grade mystery, riddle-filled story that will keep you reading and your kid at heart cheering for joy. It is an adventure-filled, puzzle-solving story that takes all the elements of elementary school and puts them into a fun account. We have upper-grade level bullies, cooperation, friendship loyalty, and what should I do from a child's point of view. Graysen wants to find the treasure and return it to the original owners, but he is not willing to do so at the cost of other students' well-being. I enjoyed the moral character of Graysen and his determination to do what is best for all involved.
The story is short, but I could have easily enjoyed a more extended account. Nevertheless, young treasure hunters who like adventure stories will enjoy this story.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way J Scott Savage writes books that work both for middle grade readers and adults. This one had so many funny little jokes. I think I laughed more than our 9 year old did when I read this one to him.

Graysen Foxx, or Grey, is a 5th grade treasure hunter. He has two 3rd grade sidekicks, Maya and Jack. These three worked so well together. I loved the way they solved the clues they were given. I'm not sure I could have solved the same clues!

This book has tons of action and adventure. There is duplicity and a rival treasure hunter. It's one of those books you don't want to stop reading until the adventure is over!

This is such a great story that will take your middle grade reader on a grand adventure from beginning to end.

I was sent a copy of this book as a gift from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Graysen is an explorer, a treasure hunter and a people’s champion. Graysen wants to find things that will help people (his fellow students) and not keep everything for himself like his counterpart the Red Raven. This treasure he is going after just might be the top of the top of treasures, but, he faces many trials along the way but the biggest trial just might turn out to be his biggest asset.
This is such a good book and Graysen is such a great friend to those around him. I love thinking back to some of the stories we used to tell each other in grade school about places in the school and the surrounding area. My first two schools where really old so there was a lot of stories like the ones in the book. This book is so much fun and with a great message.

[Sharon the Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

This was a great, elementary age, adventure story. It was like reading about what Indiana Jones was like in elementary school. Lots of humor, ridiculous situations, exaggerated experiences, and kids will eat it up!

He was throwing out similes and metaphors like book challengers in a library! It would be a dream read aloud for teachers, and kids would be on the edge of their seats laughing and with anticipation.

I love his references to other books, especially his own, Cove! 😂 And of course I loved the scene in the library. He focuses on loyalty, friendship, helping others, ingenuity, and thinking of others above yourself.

[Joelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful middle reader book that will capture the attention of young readers. It is fun and clever filled adventure. The antics that Graysen and other students find themselves in the middle of are entertaining. The twists and turns exciting. So much fun is to be had in this adventure.

If you are looking for a book for readers between seven and twelve who enjoy adventures, pick this one up. And if you enjoy reading such books as a family, pick this one up and enjoy with everyone. Much fun to be had in this one!

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher/author and all opinions are my own.

[Nanci · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version of this book and it was really great. 5 stars for the narrator! I am not sure that kids will get all of the puns and metaphorical jokes but as I am a librarian and around the same age as the author, I laughed and laughed. This would make a great car trip audio book for many ages. Or a read-aloud for the family. It's written in a Sam Spade/Indiana Jones/Buggsy Malone style. It is set in an elementary school. The main character is a fifth grader and his sidekicks are in 3rd grade. I wish I knew what kids think about this. I would love to hear in any comments, if you know of kids who have read it. I had a great time with it.

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you think that school is just a boring place to learn facts and figures? Then you need to meet the Grey Fox. Greyson Foxx isn't your ordinary fifth grader; he's a treasure hunter. And he's on the trail of the treasure of Principal Redbeard.

Filled with fun allusions to things grade school kids talk about every day, this book takes us on a fun-filled (or terror-filled, depending on which side of the trap you're on) adventure into the deep, dark secrets of the school that only a budding archeologist can traverse. Along the way, Grayson also learns what it takes to be a true treasure hunter.

[Ali Bunke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This middle grade adventure was an exciting and fun read. Told in a noir vibe that is both entertaining and perfectly matched to the mystery. With his trademark fedora, Graysen is brave and resourceful, tracking down clues and solving problems. I enjoyed the various references to older school situations, such as the mountain of desks where you would store your belongings in the desk and attached chair.

This is the first in a new series from the author.

Thank you Shadow Mountain Publishing for the advanced reader copy of the book.

[Sierra Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Graysen Foxx, 5th grade detective, explores the mysteries of Ordinary Elementary with his loyal sidekicks, a green sticky-hand toy, and sometimes a bag of chips. This adventure story is perfect for young readers with plenty of heart, humour, and references to elementary school life. The story follows Graysen and his friends as they work to outsmart rivals and solve the mystery of Principal Redbeard's lost treasure. The story includes plenty of twists and challenges with a great twist at the end and the perfect setup for future stories.

[Cathy | A Case Full of Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty cute and fun MG adventure book. It was a fun idea to make the school mysteries like archeological hunts. I also loved the different groups of kids and how Graysen was so protective of them.

My biggest complaint with this was the way it was completely saturated with similes. Multiple on every page. I can tell that was the writing style, but after the first few they got really annoying.

*Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing for sending me a review copy of this book.*