The King’s Fifth

Boys will especially love this Newbery Honor book by famous author Scott O’Dell. Esteban de Sandoval, a young mapmaker in the mid-1500s, is to stand trial for withholding “the king’s fifth” of the gold he found and supposedly has hidden. The book switches back and forth between the current day (as Esteban stands trial) and his journey through the mythical seven cities, supposedly filled with gold. This enveloping, suspenseful story gives a look at the time of early exploration and will make readers think twice about setting their hearts on riches. Children under 12 will most likely not understand the symbolism nor the complex plot. The cover of this book may not be exciting or interesting, but the book is very engaging, although it is challenging reading!

(Reviewed by Jenny Phillips)