May 9, 2016
In this clever debut, Markell takes readers on a clue-filled adventure featuring three 12-year-olds in search of a treasure lost since the waning days of WWII. Ted Gerson is an expert at locked-room video games, priding himself on never needing a walkthrough to solve them. When Ted’s Japanese-American great-uncle (and namesake), who fought as part of the Nisei brigade during the war, dies and leaves Ted the contents of his apartment, he discovers that it has been arranged like one of his games, with hints to guide him toward a mysterious reward. He enlists best friend Caleb and book-smart Isabel to unravel Great-Uncle Ted’s secrets, but they’re racing against the clock, as well as others interested in whatever lies at the end of the game. Markell maintains an energetic, entertaining balance of character-driven narrative and tricky challenges, even if some of the leaps of logic are fairly farfetched. It’s also clear that Markell is setting up a potential series, as some of the biggest questions remain unanswered, such as who might have helped Great-Uncle Ted arrange matters so conveniently. Ages 10–up. Agent: Holly Root, Waxman Leavell Literary.
May 1, 2016
When 12-year-old Ted Gerson goes to see his dying Great-Uncle Ted at the hospital, little does he know he's about to embark on a real-life escape-the-room game, his favorite kind of computer game.Ted is a half Jewish, half Japanese-American boy whose father likens the combination to an alloy: two ancient cultures coming together to create something stronger. When Great-Uncle Ted dies, he bequeaths Ted "the entire contents of his apartment, with all the treasure it contains," with the statement "search hard and you will find it." Naturally, Ted sets out to solve the clues and find the treasure. He is helped out by his best friend, Caleb Grant, a blond, white boy not quite as good as Ted with puzzles but passionate about drawing and superheroes; and by nerdy Isabel Archer, a white girl with Alice in Wonderland hair whom the boys have only just met. What ensues involves a computer game called "The Game of Ted," which mysteriously parallels the search and evolves with it; a dose of World War II history, including looted Nazi treasure and Japanese internment camps; villains after the same treasure; and a lot of spunk on the part of our heroes. The story, narrated by Ted, has humor, believable characters, and adventure that keeps readers in suspense to the end.A winner for mystery enthusiasts. (Mystery. 10-13)
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April 1, 2016
Gr 5-8-In Markell's highly entertaining debut novel, 12-year-old Ted; his best friend, Caleb; and new girl Isabel take on a riddle left by Ted's great-uncle. The World War II veteran bequeathed an apartment and all the treasure it contains to Ted. The catch: the treasure is hidden behind a plethora of clues, puzzles, and traps. Ted finds himself in the middle of a real-life "escape-the-room" game (of which he is an expert, thank you very much), and it takes the friends working together to solve it. Things are made all the more dangerous by a villain at their heels. This is a well-paced read with fully realized and likable characters, but it is not without flaws. The author purposefully introduces several uncomfortable racial and ethnic stereotypes concerning Ted's biracial identity (the protagonist is Japanese American and Jewish American). Some stereotypes are explored and offer opportunities for richer discussion, such as the various ways Ted experiences and responds to microaggressions. At other times, Ted himself espouses many tired stereotypes about Asian people. Though the author seems to have made these choices deliberately to spark conversation, some of the lines ("An old Chinese woman passed by and looked down at me. She looked at my Jewish dad, then gripped Mom's arm, leaned in, and crowed, 'Asian blood STRONG!'") and characterizations are jarring and may, without further context for the intended audience, actually serve to subtly reinforce damaging stereotypes rather than destroy them. While the young characters are perfectly relatable, the adults often act irrationally. Additionally, two of Ted's most dangerous decisions-getting in the car with a stranger and melting a breaker in the hospital-are never acknowledged as such. Several deus ex machina moments near the end are too convenient to be believed and betray a lack of respect for the intelligence of middle grade readers. Problems aside, this novel should have strong appeal to gamers, fans of video game-based stories, and reluctant readers. VERDICT Despite some truly funny moments, this is a flawed offering. Consider carefully for middle grade collections.-Taylor Worley, Springfield Public Library, OR
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