The Dare Sisters

by Jess Rinker

Overview

The Goonies meets Book Scavenger when three sisters hunt for Blackbeard’s legendary treasure in this action-packed middle grade novel from Jessica Rinker, The Dare Sisters.

“The Dare sisters are hunting for treasure, but the real treasure is the story that unfolds in the pages of this book. It’s smart, funny and full of heart; I couldn’t put this rollicking adventure down.” —Kathi Appelt, author of The Underneath

Savannah Dare has always wanted to be a pirate. She grew up on legends of Blackbeard from her grandfather—her best friend and fellow treasure hunter.

But now he’s gone. Savannah and her sisters, Frances and Jolene are left to find Blackbeard’s lost loot on their own. It was their grandfather’s dream, and they can’t let him down.

No one else in their small town on Ocracoke Island believes Blackbeard’s treasure is truly still out there . . . no one except their grandfather’s mysterious old business partner, who’s determined to find it himself. And when their family home is endangered, the Dare sisters realize finding Blackbeard’s treasure is their only hope!

An Imprint Book

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250802071
Publisher:	Square Fish
Publication date:	01/18/2022
Series:	The Dare Sisters , #1
Pages:	240
Sales rank:	1,146,540
Product dimensions:	5.18(w) x 7.64(h) x 0.55(d)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Jess Rinker always wanted to find treasure as a child. In the woods or on the beach, she was constantly hunting for something, and when she first visited the Outer Banks of North Carolina at fourteen she discovered the incredible history there was a treasure in itself. She could never be a pirate because she gets seasick, but writing about pirates has been quite fun. She’s now a children’s author and writing teacher, but still searches for treasure. The Dare Sisters is her first middle grade novel.

Editorial Reviews

With a clear love for the area and its rich history, Rinker’s debut middle grade adventure draws readers into the lore of Ocracoke Island, N.C.... The Dare sisters’ strong bonds are a definite highlight in this voice-driven book that will spark readers’ imaginations.” —Publishers Weekly

“This treasure-hunt chronicle will pique the curiosity of young explorers. Ahoy, me hearties!” —Kirkus Reviews

“For anyone who loves riddles, adventure, and pirates, The Dare Sisters is a real treasure.” —Lisa Papademetriou, author of the Confectionately Yours series

“This book makes me want to throw on a pirate hat, hop on a skateboard, and roll down the sandy streets of Ocracoke hunting for treasure. Full of intrigue and packed with heart, The Dare Sisters is a delight!” —Melanie Crowder, author of Audacity

“An exciting adventure that's packed with mystery, action, and a whole lot of heart. Readers will root for the lovable Dare sisters as they search for treasure, defend their grandfather's legacy, and find connection and hope in the midst of grief.” —Laurie Morrison, Author of Up for Air

From the Publisher

08/24/2020

With a clear love for the area and its rich history, Rinker’s debut middle grade adventure draws readers into the lore of Ocracoke Island, N.C., and the lives of three sisters searching for Blackbeard’s lost treasure in the fall of 1996. Savannah “Savvy” Mae Dare, 11, is the middle child; athletic, popular Frankie is 13; and “beauty queen” Jolene is six. Savvy may be the ringleader of their adventures and the sibling most like their storytelling paternal grandfather, but all of the girls have been raised on his passion for treasure hunting and perseverance. After his death, they find themselves drawn into one last Grandpa-inspired series of puzzles—only this time with much higher stakes. To save their beloved house, the Queen Mary, and thwart the man trying to claim their inheritance, the sisters must think like pirates and try to discern who among their family and friends is trustworthy. The plot skews uneven, and lessons on loss and anger tend to be muddled, but the Dare sisters’ strong bonds are a definite highlight in this voice-driven book that will spark readers’ imaginations. Ages 8–12. Agent: Linda Epstein, Emerald City Literary. (Sept.)

Publishers Weekly

2020-07-01
The hunt for a legendary treasure begins.

Savannah Dare, age 11, always loved listening to her Grandpa tell stories about the history of their small community on Ocracoke Island. Located off the North Carolina coast, it was the past haunt of several pirates, most notably the infamous Blackbeard. Grandpa’s recent death has definitely left a hole in her and her family’s lives. Sav cherishes all the artifacts around their house from Grandpa’s treasure-hunting days. However, lingering expenses mean the family will likely have to sell everything, including the house, something Sav staunchly refuses to accept. Besides, she’s got a plan: Their grandpa left Sav and her two sisters, 13-year-old Frankie and 6-year-old Jolene, a treasure map and other clues to find what might be Blackbeard’s long-lost treasure hoard. In true adventure/detective form, the sisters work to break codes, try to contact Blackbeard’s spirit, and consult Grandpa’s notebooks, all while avoiding a shady man who keeps popping up around town. The story incorporates real-world pirate history, and, with its 1996 setting, the girls’ research is done without the assistance of the internet. As the main protagonist, Sav struggles with paying attention at school, doesn’t have much of a filter to temper her passionate feelings, and her grief makes it all even harder. This treasure-hunt chronicle will pique the curiosity of young explorers. All characters are White by default.

Ahoy, me hearties! (pirate glossary, author’s note) (Fiction. 8-13)

Kirkus Reviews