"Here is a real treasure. Authentic and beautifully told, The Search for the Homestead Treasure weaves together the endearing story of an unlikely friendship with a compelling and intriguing mystery. Ann Treacy brings to vivid life the hardship and rewards of early twentieth-century rural Minnesota in this gem of a book."Margi Preus, author of Enchantment Lake*
"Martin is a quiet character who will not let go of my heart! While his story is one bound in family and history, his struggles and grit will speak to every modern young reader who knows loss and heartbreak. Treacy’s message of perseverance and hope make Martin a protagonist to root for and a boy never to forget."Helen Hemphill, author of The Adventurous Deeds of Deadwood Jones
"Ann Treacy shows a gift for mystery shot through with historical details, but never overwhelmed by the past. Reading The Search for the Homestead Treasure made me want to find lost treasure andalmostmade me want to grab hold of the plow with Martin, clearing the land for planting and clearing a path for him into the grown-up world."Gwenyth Swain, author of Wanda Gág: Storybook Artist and Riding to Washington
"Set in rural Minnesota in 1903, this evocative effort neatly weaves in period details. It reflects the demands of farming and the significant prejudice that was harbored by the white farmers against the Roma, documented both in the story that depicts their culture and in an informative author's note. A good bet for fans of historical fiction."Kirkus Reviews
"[A] tightly written novel."Publishers Weekly
"Ann Treacy loves the craft of writing not just the flow of words and the stories that bubble up, but truly crafting the right phrases, tone, and pace."Lake Superior Magazine
"A dramatic and well-paced tale, rich with an array of incidents involving vivid characters."Picks and Reads for Kids
"Extensive research and a compelling protagonist make this title a great fit for classes exploring their family trees."Booklist
"Infused with historical details... this book has regional, genealogical, and classroom appeal."VOYA
"Written in short chapters, the steady plot moves along with suspenseful episodes and events appropriate to the time period."School Library Journal
"Highly recommended for classrooms and middle grade readers who want more than your average pioneer story!"Beth’s Book-Nook Blog
"A story of hard work, grit, determination and surviving tough times."Hibbing Daily Tribune
07/01/2016
Gr 5–8—In 1903, 14-year-old Martin Gunnarsson and his family relocate to Goodhue County, MN, where Martin's father plans to reestablish a farm from the family's past. Martin's unhappy about the move, but when his father is injured in a logging accident, Martin's attitude changes and he strives to turn the farm into a success. He takes on the responsibilities of preparing the land, planting seeds, and tending crops. Martin also discovers his deceased aunt's diary, which suggests that a fortune in the form of his grandmother's dowry might be hidden somewhere on the farm. If Martin can find the hidden fortune, it could save the family from defaulting on the mortgage and stop Mr. Meehan's aggressive attempts to buy the property. Written in short chapters, the steady plot moves along with suspenseful episodes and events appropriate to the time period. Treacy offers readers a realistic look at the period's farm, school, and family life. The text includes entries from 13-year-old Aunt Cora's diary, which nicely link the family's current situation with the past. Martin is the most well-developed character. He learns about differences in cultures and the meaning of friendship when he befriends Samson, a boy who helps with the farm chores. Martin's Swedish family and Samson's "Gypsy" family are cautious of interacting with each other until the Gunnarsson farm burns and Samson's family comes to assist Martin's family. VERDICT Small font size may unfortunately put off some readers, but librarians needing additional historical fiction should consider this believable novel as a worthy additional purchase.—Lynn Vanca, Freelance Librarian, Akron, OH
2016-03-02
Fourteen-year-old Martin must run the family farm after his father is seriously injured in an accident. The management of the homestead is all the more complicated because his mother, grief-stricken over the death of Martin's brother, abuses patent medicines, rendering her more passive spectator than participant. Nevertheless, Martin takes on the challenge of getting a crop into the ground. He's aided by a Roma boy, Samson, whom he befriends. Rumors hint at a family treasure lost on the farm. Martin discovers his aunt Cora's diary, penned nearly 40 years before and ending with her childhood death. It contains clues to the treasure, if only he can step out of his self-focus to understand them. While he's believably limned, other characters are less well-developed, diminishing their impact. Set in rural Minnesota in 1903, this evocative effort neatly weaves in period details. It reflects the demands of farming and the significant prejudice that was harbored by the white farmers against the Roma, documented both in the story that depicts their culture and in an informative author's note. (Both story and author's note use "Roma" and "Gypsy," depending on context.) Although the story is focused on Martin's coming-of-age and his evolving friendship with Samson, the treasure hunt subplot adds additional drama. A good bet for fans of historical fiction. (Historical fiction. 10-14)