Treasure Island: Runaway Gold

by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Bestselling and award-winning author Jewell Parker Rhodes reimagines the classic novel Treasure Island  by Robert Louis Stevenson in this thrilling adventure set in modern-day Manhattan, in which three children must navigate the city’s hidden history, dodge a threatening crew of skater kids, and decide who they can really trust in order to hunt down a long-buried treasure.  Three kids. One dog. And the island of Manhattan, laid out in an old treasure map. Zane is itching for an adventure that will take him away from his family’s boarding house in Rockaway, Queens. So when he is entrusted with a real treasure map, leading to a spot somewhere in Manhattan, Zane wastes no time in riding the ferry over to the city to start the search with his friends Kiko and Jack and his dog, Hip-Hop. Through strange coincidence, they meet a man who is eager to help them find the John, a sailor who knows all about the buried history of Black New Yorkers of centuries past—and the gold that is hidden somewhere in those stories. As a vicious rival skateboard crew follows them around the city, Zane and his friends begin to wonder who they can really trust. And soon it becomes clear that treasure hunting is a dangerous business… Jewell Parker Rhodes has written a version of Treasure Island like none you’ve never seen—one that takes the reader through little-known Black history, and under the city of Manhattan itself. 

Genres: Middle Grade, Adventure, Fantasy, Childrens, Pirates, Retellings, Mystery

336 pages, Hardcover

First published October 3, 2023

About the author

Jewell Parker Rhodes has always loved reading and writing stories. Born and raised in Manchester, a largely African-American neighborhood on the North Side of Pittsburgh, she was a voracious reader as a child. She began college as a dance major, but when she discovered there were novels by African Americans, she knew she wanted to be an author. She wrote six novels for adults, two writing guides, and a memoir, but writing for children remained her dream.

Now she is the author of eleven books for youth including the New York Times bestsellers Will's Race for Home, Ghost Boys and Black Brother, Black Brother. Her other books include Soul Step, Treasure Island: Runaway Gold, Paradise on Fire, Towers Falling, and the Louisiana Girls Trilogy: Ninth Ward, Sugar, and Bayou Magic. She has also published six adult novels, two writing guides, and a memoir.

She is the recipient of numerous awards including the American Book Award, the Black Caucus of the American Library Award for Literary Excellence, a Coretta Scott King Honor Award, an NAACP Image Award nomination, and the Octavia E. Butler Award.

When she’s not writing, she’s visiting schools to talk about her books with the kids who read them, or teaching writing at Arizona State University, where she is the Piper Endowed Chair and Founding Artistic Director of the Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing.

Reviews

[Therearenobadbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I became a fan of this author's writing style after I read The Ninth Ward. This Treasure Island reimagining in contemporaneous Manhattan unravels Black History, The city's History, and the powerful memory of those who will never be forgotten. It's an amazing quest/adventure with fantastic characters.
The main character also deals with grief, the loss of a parent and friend, and the fear of not knowing how to help his mom. Celebrates diversity and friendship.
I got a copy from Harper Collins.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jewel Parker Rhodes (Ghost Boys, Black Brother Black Brother, Towers Falling) places her Treasure Island story in the heart of New York City in the “right now” time. Her story has pirates both modern and from the past, treasure, two-faced characters that you are never quite sure of until the end, and sailing vessels with sails as well as wheels. Woven into a tale of treasure hunting and discovering who you and your friends are deep down inside is history of slave trade and abolitionists that most people aren’t aware is a big part of NYC’s rise to fame. A beloved tenant in Zane’s home dies and the stories of her pirating days become very real for him when he discovers an old treasure map. Zane and his best friends Kiko and Jack take off on their skateboards to follow the clues with a gang of street kids on boards hot on their heels. A older seafaring man befriends the trio and helps them decipher clues that are all a part of the story of Blacks who were traded as well as saved on the Wall Street of the past. Readers will thrill to the chase filled with plenty of skating tricks, secret passageways and lots of buried bones. Back matter includes illustrations and descriptions of a dozen skateboard tricks. The author’s note helps readers see the connection to Robert L. Stevenson’s Treasure Island and restates the truth of the enslaved Blacks who built much of the early city and the dark meaning behind the “wall” of the original Wall Street. Outstanding book for adventuring loving middle grade readers, especially those with a taste for skateboarding and/or historical fiction. While the book does have 336 pages, the fast-moving, exciting plot will make those pages fly by.

Thanks for a digital advanced reader copy, NetGalley.

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Skateboarding + pirates, it's an interesting premise in this modern day, set in New York City retelling of Treasure Island. Reading this may make you want to read or reread the original. I know it did for me. Props to Jewell Parker Rhodes for writing a story that will lead young people to reading a classic!
A thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this title.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a grand adventure! I loved learning about some of the history of Manhattan, like how Wall Street got its name. The story was fun and I think kids will enjoy this story.

[Eule Luftschloss · Rating 3 out of 5]

trigger warning
mention of loss of parent, trauma, grief, child abandonment, mention of child abuse, mention of alcoholism, cruelty towards animals, being taken hostage

When a lodger dies, Zane finds a treasure map. Of course he gathers his friends - humans Kiko and Jack, dog Hip-Hop - to go on the adventure.

I am very nostalgic towards Treasure Island but never read something where they tried to adapt it into a modern setting. It worked quite well with the skateboard analogy, and going out without adults into the sprawling city is certainly a big adventure.

Middle bits were a bit repetitive. Especially Kiko mistrusting John, which was totally on point for her but it felt like they kept going over the same thing again and again and again .

I am reluctant to tag this as fantasy because it mainly isn't, but there were hints of paranormal events, ghosts lingering. I would have liked a clearer stance on that, either embrace the fantastical aspect or stay away, but I am sure that if I had been in the target audience age range, I would not have minded.

Would go on future adventures with this author.
The arc was provided by the publisher.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This swashbuckling modern day retelling of Treasure Island was so well done! Uniquely creative in using skateboards to replace ships, this fast paced treasure hunt is on you won’t to put down. Additionally, the strong connection to historical Wall Street, the slave trade, the Underground Railroad, and some brave people who have been largely lost to history added a level of depth that I loved! It also makes me want to learn more!!

With characters who were not always what you were expecting (or hoping for), i found myself rooting for them until the very end. I will def be purchasing this title for my middle school library this fall and I highly recommend it to all lovers of adventure and history.

[Amy C · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars. This story had so much potential. The story of slaves in NYC is one that is not taught and that I hadn’t heard. It would have been a more fun adventure if the villains were less terrible. The pirates were very literal and unnecessary when there was other actual trauma already in the story.

I didn’t realize until the afterword that this book was a retelling of treasure island. And maybe the rewriting of a classic was what made this book so uncomfortable for me. I almost DNFed at 79% when the “villains” did some unspeakable things to ancient burial grounds so I mostly skimmed to the end just to be done. Alas, hopefully this book will find its audience that can enjoy the history and the extremely despicable pirates

[Beth Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook of this contemporary retelling of Treasure Island. On the whole, I found the story really engaging and wanted to see how things would play out. At times I had to work hard to suspend disbelief: when the 12 year old kids just take off from their families and camp out in NYC for days at a time, or how skateboarding was referred to as sailing, like kids were on their own boats every time they started skating. But there were a lot of American history tie-ins that were done in a really clever way. I learned a few things and felt like that aspect of the treasure hunt was really fun and well done. I have never read Treasure Island but know the basic story enough to understand that John was going to betray the kids, and I thought the author’s note did a good job explaining the significance of Stevenson’s original and how she adapted it. This didn’t fully land for me, but it was an exciting ride.

[Shae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! It grabs you from page one! A must for MG. They will love the adventure. JPR never disappoints!

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had to finish this book, though I didn't love the very short sentence structure and free use of parentheticals. Good infusion of history.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't think this was needed but I liked it kind of

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Treasure Island has never been my favorite narrative, but it's clever the way Rhodes turns the seafaring adventure story into a modern day hunt for historical treasure set in NYC. The references don't always blend seamlessly into the new setting, but I could definitely see a teacher having students read this alongside the original work. New York's historical complicity in the slave trade is another important curricular connection that is woven in.

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jewell Parker Rhodes books always sing, and this one is the same. A brilliantly written book about friendship, adventure, growing up, and figuring out who to trust. I also love the heartbreaking history woven throughout. A wonderful book!

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Zane and his mother live in Far Rockaway, Queens, New York, where his mother has been running a boarding house after the death of his father, hoping to earn enough to be able to keep their house and not sell it to developers. One of their boarders, Captain Maddie, is rather eccentric and behind on her rent, but gets along well with Zane and amuses him. In his spare time Zane likes to hang out with his friends Kiko and Jack at the local skatepark, but after he has a bad encounter with a white haired, evil skater named Rattler, things go badly wrong. Someone has broken into Captain Maddie's room, and she has a fatal health incident. She's usually a bit vague and not necessarily dealing in reality, but she continues to tell Zane that he is her first mate and needs to find the treasure right up to her last moments. Zane is devastated that she is gone, but knows that his family needs the money, so why not look for the treasure. After thwarting Rattler and his gang of skateboarding "pirates" at night, and with a map they foudn hidden in a hollow cane, Zane, Jack, and Kiko take off to Manhattan, where the fragile, old map seems to be pointing. There are clues, but it is all very mysterious. Jack, whose long distance trucker father frequently beats him, and Zane have never been to Manhattan before, so they are interested in the history that the map is pointing them toward. They seem Rattler's minions around, and try to escape them. They do some research at the New Amsterdam branch library, and also come across a shadowy figure, John, who seems to know too much about them but claims he wants to help. He takes them out of his oyster skiff, but there is an accident and Zane, as well as his beloved dog Hip-Hop that the group has brought along, are injured. With the help of the internet, Kiko finds some clues to some of the history in the area, including the site of New York's Municipal Slave Market, and they all learn some things they didn't know. John shows them the site of Thomas Downing's oyster restaurant, and the group unearths a treasure chest in the basement before being chased out. Zane and the others occasionally have visions of the past, and there are other elements of this book that places it in the realm of fantasy. Kiko doesn't trust John, although Zane and Jack are missing father figures so much that they are willing to put their faith in him. The map seems to lead them into the subway system, and they learn that many buildings in the early 1900s were built on top of the Negro Burial Ground. The treasure might be there, but will they need to blow up areas from the subway? It seems dangerous, and when Rattler and his henchchildren show up, things get desperate. Zane realizes that people he had counted on aren't on his side. Will he be able to escape and get home, or will he have to walk the plank to his doom?
Strengths: I loved Rhodes' note about how excited she was to add the different elements to this book. Adventure, skateboarding, black history, and a reimagining of a title that is NOT Jane Austen or Shakespeare! Nicely done. Zane is an interesting character, and while I kept screaming internally (along with Kiko!) that he shouldn't trust John, I knew why he and Jack were relying on him. The connections to Black history, especially the information about the slave markets, the statistics about slave ownership, and the details about the Underground Railroad in the area was all fascinating stuff. Hip-Hop was a good boy, although I also thought it was a bad idea to bring him to the city. Did Jim Hawkins have a dog? And why is Zane not named Jim? I do think that this book might well encourage young readers to pick up Stevenson's book. While Treasure Island impressed me as one of the few Classics that hold up for modern readers, my library copy smelled so bad that I got rid of it! There's a lot going on in this book, but Rhodes foray into writing adventure stories is definitely a successful one.
Weaknesses: I doubt that any of my students are familiar with Treasure Island. I felt like I should read the book again to understand the parallels in the plot of this one. Some of the elements, like Captain Maddie, didn't quite make as much sense as I wanted them to, and I felt that if I was more familiar with the Stevenson version, things would be clearer.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who want to learn more about Black history in New York City and enjoyed Watson's Some Places More Than Others or Cummings' Trace. I'd love to list other skateboarding books, but... there aren't any that use the skateboarding so well. Rhodes did a fantastic job on that; there are even illustrations at the end of the book that show some skateboarding tips!

[Sails and Scales · Rating 2 out of 5]

In New York City, Zane, his friends, and his dog uncover the city's hidden history while looking for treasure in this Treasure Island retelling.

So... this book wasn't for me. But I do think it is definitely for other people.

First of all, I wonder if I would have liked this book better in an audiobook than I did reading it. The sentences tend to be very short and abrupt. I never could get comfortable reading because it felt like I was in the front passenger seat of a teen driver spending more time hitting the brakes than pushing on the gas. It felt jerky and kept shaking me out of reading.

Here's a small excerpt of what I mean about the writing style:
Hands on his hips, he bellows, “You’ve had a hard welcome to the city. Not as hard as slaves, mind you.” He chuckles low. “Let me be a friend. Help you.” He thrusts out his hand. I almost shake it. His ring of silver twisting snakes stops me. (I’m confused.)
His expression is kind, sympathetic. Curious. (But Hip-Hop doesn’t like him.)
“I’ve got to meet my friends at Trinity Church.”
“Ah, that, too, was built by slaves.” “Really?” “Yes, too bad, isn’t it? A great treasure built by Black people, mind you. Look around now . . . everybody here mainly white, all wealthy."
"Mind you, back in time, on Stone Street’s cobblestones the whip lashed Black skin. Blood running red, being treated like gold.” Click-click: puzzle pieces fit inside my head. The clue: Gold is black; black is gold. Red is always red. Port City landing. A wooden wall becomes a market. (I’ve got to tell Jack and Kiko.)
“Got to go.”
“No, not yet,” John exclaims, blocking my way. I swerve around him.
“Come on, Hip-Hop.”
“I could teach you. History, Zane. I could teach you.”

I suspect that listening to it would make it feel more like hip hop and would be interesting to listen to, making the writing style an asset instead of a distraction I couldn't ever overcome when reading the text. The dialogue also annoyed me because I've never talked to anyone who talks like this.

The other big thing that made this book not for me is that Treasure Island is one of my favorite books. I read it when I was about 7 and slept with it under my pillow for several years as a teenager because I was always pulling it out to read pieces of it. I have a hard time with a lot of retelling, and this is another one that just didn't work for what I wanted. I need more pirates and less skateboarding in my Treasure Island stories, I guess. I thought some of the parallels were stretched a little too far or weren't clearly explained.

I also felt the book was somewhat repetitive and dull at parts.

There were things about this book I found interesting that make me think this book would be for other people. For one thing, the focus on New York City history with a particular look at the history of Black people is fascinating and much needed. The skateboard crews, although I wasn't at all interested in them, are an interesting take on transportation and rivalry in this kind of story.

I think some readers will really enjoy this. I wish I had been one of them.

[Renee' LaViness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before Captain Maddie dies, she names Zane as her first mate, gives him her cane, and charges him with the directive to sail on his board and find the treasure. With only a few strange pieces of a puzzle and a very old map, he and his friends begin an adventure that includes danger (What pirate story would be right without it?), adventure, honor, loyalty, and truth. It was a great way to show how friendship matters, too. Sometimes, it's just because you understand each other, and other times it's because you can trust a friend to have your back when you're not paying attention.

The greatest part of this story is how the author weaves the true history of New York, slaves, and Wall Street into the story in a way that requires the reader to remember the bits and pieces as they are discovered. This read was fun and kept my attention most of the way through. The skateboarding brought the story alive in a different way for me. I'm not a skater, but I was able to relate to those parts of the story, and how it mattered.

There were a few times I had no clue who was talking, but it didn't disturb the story line. I also felt disconnected once or twice in how they accidentally arrived in just the right places or circumstances to follow Captain Maddie's strange clues. I might not have connected them on my own, but the story always led me in the right direction, so I continued reading. It was easy to assume the captain's spirit was leading the characters.

I really enjoyed this story and would recommend this book to any middle grade student, or even a YA or adult who loves a good youth adventure story, or enjoys learning about hidden history in an exciting way. Also, anyone wanting to learn a little about skateboarding tricks and terms will find some great tips in this book.

[Paige V · Rating 5 out of 5]

A boy was entrusted with a map that could lead to a treasure beyond his wildest dreams.

Zane, a teenage boy, had a most unusual day. One of the tenants, Captain Maddie (a pirate), had assigned him to a treasure hunt and soon died of a stroke. Upon hearing this, Zane sets out on an adventure to find the treasure with his two best friends, Kiko and Jack, and his beloved dog, Hip-Hop. But their adventure is not without its challenges; a gang of so-called pirates races against them for the treasure, and a mysterious ally named John helps them, but his help sparks a bit of mistrust. Will they succeed?

This is my second book from the same author. I read Paradise on Fire, which was very good, but this one is even better: A creative, fast-paced treasure hunt in the City of New York with History! I was thrilled!
This book discusses Black American history in Manhattan, the legendary New York oyster king, Thomas Downing, the historical Wall Street, the slave trade, the Underground Railroad, etc.
Did you know how Wall Street got its name?
There were also references to skateboarding (You have a Zane's Skateboarding Trick Glossary at the end; how cool is that?) and pirates throughout the book. It also mentioned child abuse (Jack is often hit by his dad).

Zane is a curious and determined character. He cares a lot about his friends and Hip-Hop. Kiko is a spunky girl, and she was my favorite. Jack is a bit of a tragic character. Hip-Hop is the best dog you can ask for (I love its name). John is sneaky but a history buff.

Give this book to people who are fearless about going on adventures and delving more into New York history.

Happy Reading, Paige ❤️ 📚

Thank you to the publisher for sharing this excellent book with me!

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
Treasure Island: Runaway Gold is a clever, imaginative retelling of Treasure Island. I loved the idea of skateboards being a modern stand-in for ships, with the story following a treasure hunt in New York City. And while it’s set in the modern day, I love how much history is embedded in the narrative, particularly relating to Black American history, from the slave trade to the Underground Railroad to Wall Street, unveiling some figures lost to history, and looking at the contradictory history of abolition and slavery in New York’s history. The extent to which all these elements feel believable when blended together is somewhat subjective, but I was willing to go with the flow and just enjoy this as a fun adventure.
Zane is an engaging protagonist to follow. I particularly liked how his friendships and the other bonds in his community really helped to define him as he and his crew went on adventures. There’s not a lot to say about him in his own right, but I don’t think it takes away from the story too much.
The story is fast-paced and engaging, without a dull moment. There’s some great plot twists, and while I personally haven’t read the original, according to the author’s note, there’s some nods to it that will make the reading experience much richer.
This book is a lot of fun, but with a lot of depth that makes it educational, regardless of how old you are. If you’re looking for a unique take on a classic, swashbuckling adventure story, I’d recommend checking this out.

[Patti · Rating 3 out of 5]

After months of starting and restarting this book, we finally finished it! My girls and I read it together every night before bed for about a month, taking a chapter or two at a time, digesting parts of the plot and letting the overall themes and lessons sink in. I feel quite accomplished for having finally finished something that we started months ago, and sticking with it even though it took some time for us to get into it.

Overall the story was enjoyable and the plot was original. The characters were quite memorable too, including some side characters that could've been written off but got a little more developed as the story progressed. However, we all felt that it was a bit confusing. I also wasn't a fan of the writing style, which I think was done purposely to mirror pirate speak, and was heavily influenced by the original Treasure Island.

Still, it was a fresh take on a classic, and I really enjoyed the concept of modern day pirates being skateboarders rolling through the streets of New York, and the in depth look at the history of slavery in New York and the terrible things that happened but are often ignored in history books. An exciting adventure with a quest for a treasure, with interwoven themes of racism and justice, make this a book I'm glad I read out loud to my kids. Recommended for ages 9+.

[Emily Bush · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this modern take of Treasure Island! Instead of pirates on the sea, Jewell Parker Rhodes transforms the story to modern day Manhattan where the pirates are a gang of skateboarders. After Zane’s dad died, his mom had to take on boarders to make ends meet. One of the boarders, Captain Maddie, dies suddenly and Zane is thrown into a crazy race to find a treasure she left behind. The treasure could help save Zane’s house and let his mom not have to struggle anymore. The chase leads Zane and his friends on a crazy adventure where they don’t know who to trust. This was a great story with lots of twists & turns.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

While there were some great elements - the inclusion of skateboarding, a swell dog named Hip Hop and some very valuable New York and African American history, the heavy expository framework really bogged down the story. Very little of the dialog rang true, actions were bizarre and characters moved around like they were manipulated by outside forces. Even the emotional heart of the story - two boys missing dads and trying to fill that void - was over explained multiple times. They author has done some fine work. This has some swell elements but needed several more rounds of edits to sing the way it should.

[Annalise Kraines · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a good retelling, and this was a really fun retelling of Treasure Island complete with fascinating historical context. Captain John was a fascinating character and added a lot of emotional complexity to the story. I also loved the transition from pirates sailing the seas to skateboarding kids sailing the streets. Some of the plot points and relationships were too simplistic for me, to the point of being confusing. But you know this book is for a middle grade audience, and for a middle grade book it was pretty complex. Hip Hop the dog deserves the world. Also great librarian representation.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the latest book by Jewell Parker Rhodes! Such an adventure of pirates and a treasure that is being sought after in New York City!

A great read-aloud for middle school and upper elementary social studies classes. A historical fiction story with very interesting historical facts that most people probably (unfortunately) don't know.

A must-have for all libraries!!

@jewell_p_rhodes #SchoolLibrary #SchoolLibrarians #ReadABook #Books #Read #MGReads MGBooks #MGLit
#TreasureIslandRunawayGold #NetGalley

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adults and kids are going to find this book fascinating! Jewell Parker Rhodes has based her book on the classic, Treasure Island, but within her writing, she reveals the true history of black slave trade in New York City. A municipal slave market operated in New York City from 1711 to 1762 at Water and Pearl Streets in Manhattan. Slaves contributed to the development and economic “engine” of New York. Black contributions to the building of New York have been ignored or intentionally repressed. Thank you, Jewell Parker Rhodes for bringing this astonishingly sad, Black narrative to light!

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book and at points throughout, I did. However, combining the themes of skateboarding, the history of slavery in New York, the loss of fathers, with a modern day telling of Treasure Island was a bit too much. It felt underdeveloped and scattered. Characters were too easy to trust and relationships were not as believable as I wanted them to be.
It’s listed by the author as historical fiction, but the historical facts play too small a role in the story for that genre.
It’s an easy read that would appeal to skaters in early middle school.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A modern telling of Treasure Island set in lower Manhattan. Zane learns of a pirate treasure from Captain Maddie on her deathbed. When he finds her treasure map, he and his friends – and his dog! – sail off on their skateboards to find the treasure but things are complicated by a crew of skateboarders chasing them. When a mysterious stranger named John (Long John Silver) shows up, Zane has to determine whether John is on their side or not. Includes interesting history about how enslaved and formerly enslaved Blacks built a lot of lower Manhattan.

[Jeni Enjaian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A refresher on the original text would have helped significantly, especially since I do not know if I have ever read the original. I really enjoy Rhodes' writing and this book definitely demonstrated her skill. However, certain things kept me from full suspension of disbelief. This book has near fantastical elements but also incredible realism of hard-hitting contemporary issues. The constant struggle to make these pieces fit together kept me from becoming immersed and ultimately left me dissatisfied.

[Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a fan of the original tale of Treasure Island, I was intrigued on how a modern retelling of the story would turn out.

Zane and his mother are living in Queens and running a boarding house. One of their boarders is a sharp-tongued old woman who turns out to be a pirate who fell afoul of her crew. Despite keeping a low profile, she is discovered by her former crew and given the black spot (Sound familiar, Robert Louis Stevenson fans?). She dies shortly thereafter, but not before giving Zane clues and a map leading to treasure buried on an island (Manhattan Island, to be specific).

With his friends Kiko, Jack, and his dog Hip-Hop, Zane heads into the heart of New York, where they are pursued by a skateboarding band of pirates. Help comes in the form of a friendly, mysterious gentleman by the name of John. But is John more than he seems? And what exactly is this treasure?

Although the Treasure Island tie-in gets to be a bit of a stretch at times (skateboarding pirates?), I think Rhodes tells an intriguing story about slavery, the Underground Railroad, the unsavory origins of Wall Street, and black contributions to New York City. She also weaves into the story the crushing grief of lost and abusive fathers, and the search for someone to fill that void.

[Wina · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars for this adventure for ages 10-13. This is a re-imagining of Treasure Island, and has too much fighting, melodrama, and magical realism for me. It went on and on and I skimmed the end just to see how it concluded. Way too unrealistic, with kids living in unfinished subway tunnels along with one man, their "captain", and oh, never mind. I often don't like books that are more geared for what a boy might like. Writing style uses short sentences and it often has a sort of rhythm to it.
Good information about Manhattan and Wall Street's slave history.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gorgeous cover. I thought this book went on way too long, it seemed at times like the never-ending book.
I loved a new version of Treasure Island with diverse and modern characters and the illustrations, but it seemed like the plot kept circling and repeating the same thing again and again. I think if about 50 pages had been trimmed down, I would be able to find readers for this book. Students are drawn to the cover, but when looking through the book, they end up shelving it again.