by Marsha Hubler
Reviewed by Ann Knowles
The Secret of the Batty is a unique book that could be classified as a historical fiction for children ages 6-10.
The brother/sister detective team of Boots and Cora Seiler find an old map in a history book at the Ashland Library in Ashland, PA. If there is one thing these kids love to do, it’s to solve mysteries. The old map sends them searching for secrets and surprises at the Batty, an abandoned strip mine located near their home. Riding their ponies, Shadow and Snowball, and accompanied by the family dog, Scooter, they set out to solve the mystery of the Batty. Some townfolk think there are Indians living in the cave at the Batty; some think there’s a treasure hidden there. Boots and Cora are determined to find out what’s going on.
Boots and Cora are inquisitive, funny, and have a childlike innocence that is lacking in today’s society where children are occupied by computer games, iPods, cell phones and a zillion other technological gadgets. They lived in a day when children created their own games and entertained themselves with adventures they dreamed up. Give your child a glimpse into this wonderful world of yesteryear. Give them The Secret of the Batty.
Hubler includes a real treasure at the end of the book: The Plan of Salvation. She intended to write a series called The Boots and Cora Mysteries. The first mystery was published in 2005 and though no more mysteries have followed, Hubler has had many requests for more books about Boots and Cora. If you like this book, you can add your request for more Boots and Cora books to the list by visiting the author's Website. She loves to hear from her readers.
