Summer of the Woods
By Steven K Smith
156 pages – ages 7+
Published by MyBoys3 Press on May 11, 2013
Derek and Sam moved into a new house over the summer. While exploring the nearby woods, Sam finds a rare coin in a river, which they show to an elderly neighbor, who tells them a local legend about a guy who lived in their house who stole some other rare coins and hid them. After hearing the legend, the boys explore the forest for the stolen coins. Then, one night during a thunderstorm, Derek finds a map in their house. He thinks that it belonged to the coin thief. Derek and Sam decide to find the coins, no matter how dangerous it becomes!
Summer of the Woods is a great book for young kids who want a fun adventure. The book is a completely clean read for young readers, but also a very good choice for older kids too because of the story. Derek and Sam are nice boys who have unique personalities and are very believable. You come to care for them as the story is told. I enjoyed Mr. Smith’s description of the adventure the boys go on, though I felt it could have gone into some more detail and had a bit more conversation between the two boys in some places rather than narration (but that’s just my opinion). The story is unique and there is the right amount of mystery in it to keep the reader interested and wanting to find out what happens next. I read on Mr. Smith’s Amazon author page that this is his first book and I am adding his name to my list of authors to look for. I hope to read more of his books in the future.
Four out of five bookworms for this kid-friendly adventure! 
Nice review. This is one for you. 🙂 I like reading debut authors and will check this out soon enough. Good job, Erik.
I think you would like this one Ms. Morris!
We’ll find out soon. 🙂
Yay!
Sounds like my kind of thrilling adventure – thanks, E.!
It is a fun adventure to read about! 🙂
Boys on an adventure – sounds like a great read!
My kind of adventure! 🙂
Sounds like a good adventure. Not too long, but not too short for the grade range either.
Hi Daniel! Yes, it is a quick read, but a fun story. I think it is good that some authors will write a good adventure story that younger kids can enjoy.
The legend of the coin thief, sounds like a great mystery for younger readers.
It is! Thanks Miss Marple!
What a great adventure book for younger boys. And, a great way to interest them in reading through solving a mystery. I’ve been reading some books for younger readers too, and I think it’s a great way to enocourage a love of reading. Nice review, Erik!
When I was younger, this is the kind of books my parents looked for. It has a great adventure but is appropriate for young kids. Thanks for your comment Ms. Tilton!
I always try to pull Mom into the woods near the field by my house. She says the word, “No. It’s too dark.” Gah., I could find rare coins in there!
Love and licks,
Cupcake
Go get those coins Cupcake!!!
Growing up I loved exploring the woods and I always enjoy a good mystery. This is a book I will be picking up thanks to you. 🙂
I love being in the woods too. I hope you like this book! 🙂
Sounds like an interesting premise. Thanks for the heads up about this new author.
I am looking forward to reading Mr. Smith’s next book! 🙂
I was immediately drawn to the title and cover of this book 🙂 That’s me…a cover/title person! Excellent review, Erik! 😀
Covers and titles rock! Plus, they are the first impression. 🙂
I’m always up for a good adventure in the woods. This story sounds a bit like the book The Last Treasure. One of my favorites. I’ll look for this one. Thanks for the nice review.
I’ll check out “The Last Treasure” Rhythm! 😀
Hmm… interesting concept. I have just finished reading The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner that has a little bit of that idea. 🙂
😀