Ages 8-12 / Illustrated Middle Grade / Philomel
Win a copy of ADDISON COOKE AND THE TREASURE OF THE INCAS by Jonathan W. Stokes. Enter to win by emailing the author (write "KidsBookclubbing" in the subject line).
Dear Reader,
ADDISON COOKE AND THE TREASURE OF THE INCAS is a comedy adventure for middle grade readers and the young-at-heart. Addison Cooke is basically a 12-year-old Indiana Jones, mixed with a little Ferris Bueller and even a dash of James Bond.
While the book has its share of treasure maps, booby-traps, and harrowing escapes, the story is ultimately about family. When Addison's aunt and uncle -- both world-class archaeologists -- are kidnapped by fortune hunters, Addison and his little sister Molly embark on a globe-trotting adventure to rescue them. In their race to uncover the lost Incan Treasure, Addison and his team ultimately learn that family is the real prize.
ADDISON COOKE AND THE TREASURE OF THE INCAS is my love-letter to the 80s movies I grew up on. I hope you have as much fun reading it as I did writing it!
Jonathan Stokes
Book reviews:
"Cinematic pacing and action drive the story, but it's Addison and his friends who will keep readers engaged. Humor is never in short supply, even when the group narrowly escapes danger, and Addison's endless optimism and irrepressible confidence in his own abilities are endearing . . . A solid start to a new series, with a conclusion that will leave readers hoping Addison and company return soon for another adventure."
-School Library Journal
"Addison is often one step ahead of the adults, but his lead is constantly threatened, building steady tension throughout the novel, screenwriter Stokes's debut."
-Publishers Weekly
Discussion questions:
1. Discuss the theme of teamwork in the book. What skills does each of Addison's friends bring to the group? Could Addison have completed the journey without them?
2. Why is Addison the leader of the group? What makes him a good leader? What makes him a bad one?
3. Addison believes that the answers to any problem may be found in a book. What are some examples of places where Addison's reading and knowledge of history helped the group to solve a problem?
4. Addison and his team are always forming plans. What are some times when their plans worked? What are some times when their plans didn't work?
5. If you could visit any location in the book, which would you pick, and why?
Jonathan has written screenplays for actors Will Smith and Hugh Jackman and for Fox, Paramount, Universal, Warner Brothers, Sony and other studios. To learn more about him and his new middle-grade Addison Cooke adventure series, visit his website.
Author call-in information: Jonathan Stokes is available to call-in or email with your group.
To arrange a meeting, contact the author.
