National Archive Hunters: Capitol Chase

By: Jamie Steinberg

Matthew Landis is an eighth-grade Social Studies teacher. You can quickly tell by his incredible knowledge of history in the fun and action-packed – yet educational – book National Archive Hunters 1: Capitol Chase. Here ten-year-old twins Ike and Iris Carter tackle art thieves determined to capture items gifted by the Marquis de Lafayette. With the FBI’s Art Crime team in their crosshairs, readers will quickly and truly find themselves entrenched and enthralled by this tale of minis on a mission.

Ike (short for Icarus) and Iris are twins, and each has their own talents. Ike is an American history genius while his sister is an exceptional athlete. Their talents combine when a robbery occurs during the opening night of a new exhibit that is being introduced at the museum where their mother works. The two find a girl around their age attempting to steal an artifact from the collection, which captivates and confounds them. However, with a little help from the National Archives Research Center, Iris and Ike are able to put enough of the pieces to the puzzle together that will help them take down this pint-sized art thief. Unfortunately, becoming so close to the case puts them in the sights of the FBI’s Art Crime team who begin to think that maybe Ike and Iris are involved in these crimes. Looking to clear their name and help their mom save her museum, all the Carters team up to keep America’s treasures out of the hands of this youngster and whomever may be behind her sticky-fingered steals.

Whomever has Landis for a Social Studies teacher is clearly a lucky kid. They’re bound to be doing cool research projects and learning plenty about the rich history of America. He’s also a very talented writer when it comes to action, adventure and creating a quality storyline that is easy to invest in. For those who aren’t even history buffs, you’ll certainly find yourself learning plenty along the way. Pages will turn quickly. Readers will be begging their parents for even five more minutes to read another chapter.

National Archive Hunters: Capitol Chase seems to be just the beginning of this series. I, for one, am eager to see more of the adventures of the Carters and learn more about the artifacts that will surely find their paths. Pick up a copy of this book Indiana Jones fans, older and younger. And parents, be ready for a trip to the library as I have no doubt your children will be clamoring for a bit more knowledge about the events included within this intriguing tale.