Ed Note: This was originally scheduled to be posted during my Nov. treasure hunt month, but it got delayed. Oops!
I would expect after reading a passel of scavenger hunt and treasure hunt themed book anyone would have a not-so-secret desire to have do a little hunting of their own. This book is a very very simple guide to geocaching, a fantastic activity for kids who long to find their own treasure.
The reading level itself is probably fine for second graders, but I think the book has value even for kids older than that as it provides all sorts of helpful information for those just starting out. It begins with a basic definition, explains a bit about how GPS devices work, offers some how-to information and gives a “creed” that teaches kids how to be safe, courteous and respectful of the environment. It also offers some links to websites to help kids get started.
DK Readers is usually pretty decent with their non-fiction books and this is no exception. Teachers are always looking for books with lots of text features, those conventions which help students process the presented information. This book has phonetic pronunciations where needed directly in the text as well as a glossary at the end. It has lots of pictures, some with captions, and tons of call-out boxes (the small boxes of information that catch your eye).
The only thing I see to be a draw back here is that it is Boys’ Life series book, which means it’s affiliated somehow with The Boy Scouts of America. I’m not sure whether the Boy Scouts profit at all from purchase of this book, but I do know many people are concerned with supporting an organization that believes in discrimination. The other issue with it being a Boy Scouts publication is that despite the fact that the book has tons of photos, there is not a single photo of a female. Truth: Lots of girls and women also really enjoy geocaching!
Sex, Nudity, Dating – None.
Profanity – None.
Death, Violence and Gore – None.
Drugs, Alcohol and Smoking – None.
Frightening or Intense Things – None.
