LOLA BENKO, TREASURE HUNTER, by Beth McMullen, Aladdin, Aug. 25, 2020, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 9-13)
A young girl sets out to find her missing father and finds friends and adventure in the process in Beth McMullen’s Lola Benko, Treasure Hunter.
Having a world-traversing archaeologist dad means 12-year-old Lola Benko is used to moving around and not putting down roots anywhere. But every day and every hunt for something hidden is an adventure, and no matter what, she and her dad are an unbeatable team.
Then her father disappears. The official story is that he was caught in a flash flood, but Lola’s research shows the day in question was perfectly pleasant. And it will take more than empty reassurances from suspect strangers for Lola to give up on her dad. She has a feeling his disappearance has to do with a mythical stone he was studying—a stone so powerful, it could control the world. But in the wrong hands, it could end it, too…
With the help of some new friends at her school, it’s up to Lola to go on the most important hunt of her life. —Synopsis provided by Aladdin
Lola Benko, Treasure Hunter is such an enjoyable read. Beth McMullen’s characters, especially Lola, are well-developed and a joy to follow. Their capers are just the right mix of danger, adventure, mystery and humor.
What I appreciated the most, though, was McMullen’s ability to make something that should be implausible seem perfectly normal. Even as an adult, I didn’t question the plot, I just ran with it. It was a blast.
I wish Lola Benko, Treasure Hunter had been released a few weeks ago. With school starting up, there will be less time for “fun” reading, and that’s a shame. This book is just the escape readers have been looking for.
On the other hand, it’s a good option for any “free reading” teachers may offer/require, and it also would make a great birthday, holiday or just because gift.
This is the first book in a planned series, and I can’t wait to read more of Lola’s adventures.
LOLA BENKO, TREASURE HUNTER Blog Tour
- Monday, 8/17: The Write Path
- Tuesday, 8/18: Little Red Reads
- Wednesday, 8/19: Cracking the Cover
- Thursday, 8/20: Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers
- Friday, 8/21: YA Books Central
- Monday, 8/24: Susan Heim on Parenting
- Tuesday, 8/25: Books, Movies, Reviews! Oh My!
- Wednesday, 8/26: Hopelessly Devoted Bibliophile
- Thursday, 8/27: Jean Book Nerd
- Friday, 8/28: Jill’s Book Blog
