mon_ique's review
4.0
The ending wouldn't have been so bad if my house wasn't currently freezing just like the book... I wished it was totally appropriate/clean, though there wasn't anyoutright curse words, etc. Just descriptions that surprised me a little. 3 and 1/2 Stars
theartolater's review
4.0
I really thoroughly enjoyed Moxie and the Art of Rulebreaking, in part because it took place in the Boston area, in part because it was about one of my favorite art heists, the Isabella Gardner Museum heist. Moxie's sidekick, Ollie, got his own book in what's billed as a companion but is actually a sequel.
The good news is that there's a lot of fun to be had here. It takes place on the Boston outer islands on a scouting getaway, and involves pirate treasure rumored to be buried on the islands. The story is about both of those things, so it balances pretty well. Unfortunately, Ollie isn't as great a character, and the bad guys are a little more stereotypical than your standard read. It means the book isn't bad, it's just not nearly as good as what it's following up.
Still pretty recommended, but definitely read Moxie first.
The good news is that there's a lot of fun to be had here. It takes place on the Boston outer islands on a scouting getaway, and involves pirate treasure rumored to be buried on the islands. The story is about both of those things, so it balances pretty well. Unfortunately, Ollie isn't as great a character, and the bad guys are a little more stereotypical than your standard read. It means the book isn't bad, it's just not nearly as good as what it's following up.
Still pretty recommended, but definitely read Moxie first.
bella_cavicchi's review
4.0
{originally posted on my blog: Ciao Bella}
I have liked, and more often than not, LOVED, Erin Dionne’s middle grade novels. From relatable characters to entertaining and well-paced story lines, her books are ones I can always count on to make me smile. And so, I was super-duper excited to get an early look at Ollie and the Science of Treasure Hunting, the companion novel to another outstanding mystery, Moxie and the Art of Rule Breaking. Ollie was one of my favorite parts in Moxie’s adventures, and I found reading about his own experiences just as enjoyable. Erin Dionne’s great novel streak continues!
After Ollie and his best friend, Moxie, solved the mystery of the great Isabella Stewart Gardner heist, their lives turned upside down. To escape the media frenzy, the FBI and his parents thought it would be best to send Ollie off to camp, and that’s when the adventure begins. Despite the craziness he had just endured, you would think that Ollie would lie low, right!? However, when one park ranger requests his help in looking for pirate treasure, he finds the offer tough to turn down. Mysteries being some of my favorite books to read, I tend to be tougher on the story development. Thankfully, the author had near all of it down. The only point where I was a bit puzzled at the flow of the story was at the very end. While I understood the motives of the characters present, I had a hard time believing that the actions would unfold in such a way – and at such quick of a pace!
Erin Dionne’s past books have all featured girls as the protagonists, so I was bit curious {and a tad concerned} to see how her ability would translate with Ollie as the main character. On top of that, there were very few girls involved in this mystery; Grey was the only one with a semi-prominent role. Thankfully, my initial worries quickly went away. Ollie was developed and demonstrated growth from beginning to end. I personally thought he gained more confidence, and as a reader who appreciates unlikely heroes, I liked that he had his quirks! Even better? You can add this story to your list of examples of diversity in middle grade. I was happy to see that this aspect didn’t make Ollie who he was – in other words, it was never overwhelming, just a supplementing detail!
Dionne also nailed developing an atmosphere of an all-boys camp. I won’t lie and say that I liked all of the campers {I rolled my eyes more than once at some of their antics}, but I can’t deny their perfect development as supporting characters. My favorite was Chris, with his note-worthy dialogue and sidekick qualities. Could he get a companion novel too? :)
Overall, I have no problems recommending both stories involving Moxie and Ollie. Mystery lovers, males and females will adore this one, as will any Erin Dionne fan!
I have liked, and more often than not, LOVED, Erin Dionne’s middle grade novels. From relatable characters to entertaining and well-paced story lines, her books are ones I can always count on to make me smile. And so, I was super-duper excited to get an early look at Ollie and the Science of Treasure Hunting, the companion novel to another outstanding mystery, Moxie and the Art of Rule Breaking. Ollie was one of my favorite parts in Moxie’s adventures, and I found reading about his own experiences just as enjoyable. Erin Dionne’s great novel streak continues!
After Ollie and his best friend, Moxie, solved the mystery of the great Isabella Stewart Gardner heist, their lives turned upside down. To escape the media frenzy, the FBI and his parents thought it would be best to send Ollie off to camp, and that’s when the adventure begins. Despite the craziness he had just endured, you would think that Ollie would lie low, right!? However, when one park ranger requests his help in looking for pirate treasure, he finds the offer tough to turn down. Mysteries being some of my favorite books to read, I tend to be tougher on the story development. Thankfully, the author had near all of it down. The only point where I was a bit puzzled at the flow of the story was at the very end. While I understood the motives of the characters present, I had a hard time believing that the actions would unfold in such a way – and at such quick of a pace!
Erin Dionne’s past books have all featured girls as the protagonists, so I was bit curious {and a tad concerned} to see how her ability would translate with Ollie as the main character. On top of that, there were very few girls involved in this mystery; Grey was the only one with a semi-prominent role. Thankfully, my initial worries quickly went away. Ollie was developed and demonstrated growth from beginning to end. I personally thought he gained more confidence, and as a reader who appreciates unlikely heroes, I liked that he had his quirks! Even better? You can add this story to your list of examples of diversity in middle grade. I was happy to see that this aspect didn’t make Ollie who he was – in other words, it was never overwhelming, just a supplementing detail!
Dionne also nailed developing an atmosphere of an all-boys camp. I won’t lie and say that I liked all of the campers {I rolled my eyes more than once at some of their antics}, but I can’t deny their perfect development as supporting characters. My favorite was Chris, with his note-worthy dialogue and sidekick qualities. Could he get a companion novel too? :)
Overall, I have no problems recommending both stories involving Moxie and Ollie. Mystery lovers, males and females will adore this one, as will any Erin Dionne fan!
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