The Secret of the Treasure Keepers
Ruth lives in post-war London with her mother, who volunteers at the British Museum. Money is short as her parents are getting divorced and they might have to leave their much-loved home so her mother is keen to gain a paid position at the museum. However, irritable Mr Knight, curator of British Collections, has to be convinced and it is whilst her mother is at interview that Ruth answers the phone in Mr Knight’s office, taking a message from a lady from Rook Farm who has made a discovery. When circumstances mean Mr Knight does not get the message, Ruth and her mother embark on the long journey to Rook Farm, south of Ely, where treasure and adventure awaits…
‘The Secret of the Treasure Keepers’ is a beautifully written gem of a story which children will love. With atmospheric locations and plenty of secrets, there is so much to enjoy in these pages.
The story is full of wonderful characters- all hiding secrets- who the reader becomes really invested in as the story progresses. Ruth is easy to empathise with; desperate to keep her family home and happy memories, her efforts to support her mother are admirable and although she makes some blunders along the way, her determination to solve the mystery of the treasure is admirable. Joe, son of Mary Sterne, owner of Rook Farm, is also brilliantly observed.
The impact of the war is keenly felt throughout the story. Although set in 1948, times are still so hard for everyone with families suffering loss and food shortages and the landscape scarred by bomb damage. Many children’s stories focus on the war period, leaving children with a sense that when the fighting ended all returned to normal. ‘The Secret of the Treasure Keepers’ allows for discussions about the aftermath for everyday people, perhaps encouraging children to talk to those (like my parents) who experienced this time, developing their understanding.
If anyone manages to read this story without being inspired to take up archaeology, I shall be surprised! The excitement of the digs, the details of the finds are so brilliantly described it really makes the reader want to take part. The author’s note explores her own fascination with treasure seeking and her love of the British Museum, encouraging readers to visit and to see finds like the Mildenhall Hoard. The book would make an excellent class story to accompany work on the Anglo-Saxons and the discovery of Sutton Hoo- or simply as a story to enjoy. It would also be perfect for Guided Reading, offering much for a group to get their teeth into!
This is A M Howell’s fourth title- each is an excellent read!
The Secret of the Treasure Keepers A M Howell
Usborne ISBN: 978-1474991117
Out on 31.3.22