Moss, Marissa. The Pharaoh's Secret. Illustrated by Marissa Moss. Amulet Books, 2009. ISBN 9780810983786. $15.95. 308 p.
Reviewer: Tessa McMillan
Reading Level: Intermediate, Young adult
Rating: Excellent
Genre: Adventure stories; Detective and mystery stories;
Subject: Hatshepsut, Queen of Egypt --Juvenile fiction.; Egypt --History --Eighteenth dynasty, ca. 1570-1320 B.C. --Juvenile fiction.; Mystery and detective stories--Juvenile fiction; Books--Reviews;
Talibah, her father, and her little brother, Adom, come to Egypt to explore ancient kingdoms and rulers. But when they arrive, strange people begin giving Talibah odd Egyptian gifts for no apparent reason. Through several visions, clues, and close calls while visiting several temple and burial sites, Talibah realizes that the "ka" or departed spirits of Hatshepsut, Senenmut, Thutmose III, and Neferure are calling for her to solve some ancient mysteries. However, an old family friend threatens to stop her quest and end her and Adom's life. Moss creates an enthralling story where the present and the past come to life for readers. There are times when the story becomes repetitive, but the characters are endearing and believable. This mystical adventure could enrich teaching units on ancient Egypt.
Volume 30, no. 3 (January/February 2010)
