The Treasure Bird [Hardcover]

Peni R. Griffin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 31, 1992 | Age Level: 9 and up

A talking parrot and the rumor of buried treasure give hope to ten-year-old Jessy and her stepbrother Matt that they can save the Texas farm they have inherited from Great-Uncle Matthew.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Jessy has more than her share of troubles: her stutter makes her self-conscious and she hates her mother for running off to join a cult. On the positive side, Jessy's new stepmother is nice and the family has just inherited a house in Texas. But financial worries come to the fore this summer: taxes are due on the house and neither parent has yet found a job. So Jessy, with help from her stepbrother, Matt, and a parrot named Goldie, works on the mystery of the missing old coins often mentioned by Great-Uncle Matthew. This quiet family story touches upon a handful of "problems" without settling on a central issue--a diversity that agreeably sets this novel apart from straightforward genre fiction. Griffin ( Otto from Otherwhere ) writes in an engagingly forthright style; and while Jessy may not shine quite as brightly as some other YA fiction stars, readers will enjoy her low-key success. Ages 9-12.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6-- The hunt for buried gold becomes the focal point of this mystery that simultaneously deals with loyalty, trust, love, and family. Jessy moves from Wichita to San Antonio when her stepmother inherits an old farmhouse. Everyone is happy with the move, but worried that they will not be able to pay the taxes. Jessy and her stepbrother learn about family gold that was buried after a robbery and are determined to find the money. Instrumental in the scheme is a parrot and some old embroidered samplers, also part of the inheritance. Eventually the children discover the money. A lively prose style and likable, realistic characters take readers on the treasure hunt as carefully worked out clues sustain the mystery and wonder throughout. Griffin has created an amiable and sympathetic character in Jessy, who has a severe stutter and is adjusting to her stepfamily. She is surrounded by understanding, but not indulgent, adults. The explanation of why the gold had to be hidden creates an intriguing twist. Youngsters will enjoy this tale, reminiscent of earlier books that also use riddles and cryptic clues such as Elizabeth Enright's Spiderweb for Two (Dell, 1987) and Virginia Masterman-Smith's The Treasure Trap (Four Winds, 1979; o.p.). --Renee Steinberg, Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry; 1st edition (October 31, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 068950554X
• ISBN-13: 978-0689505546
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,008,341 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another excellent book, June 23, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Treasure Bird (Hardcover)

This is another excellent book by Peni R. Griffin. The way she incorporated Jessy's problems with the treasure- finding plot was truly amazing. When I saw this book, I thought it would be a lot like the other book I have read by her, The Switching Well. It wasn't at all, but it still was especially good, and I really enjoyed it.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is pretty good!!, June 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Treasure Bird (Mass Market Paperback)

This book is rated O.K. by me. It tells of a family that inherits a farm. There is a legend about a treasure there. In order to continue living on the farm they must find the treasure. With the help of a bird they......why am I telling you the whole story? Read it on your own to fing out!