Treasure in the Lake

Iris is thirteen and lives in a most boring small town, Bugden. The only things that keep her from total despair are reading, which she loves, and her best friend, Sam. Iris can’t wait to leave Bugden and go off to work as an archeologist, but Sam is pretty content there. One day, while exploring the area, the kids find the local river has mysteriously dried up. It is then they find a town that had long been submerged. It had been abandoned when a dam was built. The kids become separated as they explore the town. Sam meets an old man who had lived in the mysterious town and has great stories. Iris meets a girl named Lily who guides her into danger. When water comes rushing back, can the kids escape?

Jason Pamment has written a middle-grade graphic novel that is part mystery, part fantasy, and part adventure. The story is compelling, and the characters are complex and interesting. The illustrations are well done and have interesting clues scattered about that will keep young readers riveted to the book. This is an especially good choice for reluctant readers.