I usually don't read books for the lower middle school grades. The premise was annoyingly simplistic with some ethical questions that were difficult to grapple with while reading. After all, just because the protagonists solve the puzzle, does that make the treasure theirs? Should the treasure have been the property of the Longfellow estate since it was found in that house? Although the controversy between Tesla and Edison is believable, I'm not sure students would understand that relationship without some knowledge of Edison and his rival. ( )

Fast-paced and fun for New York residents especially. Good integration of historical figures and subject matter, but formulaic and a little wild in plotting. ( )

Reviewed by Kira M for TeensReadToo.com

When Tom Edison's father gets laid off, and he's told that their family is moving to Kansas in two weeks, he's desperate to find a way to stay in town with his friends. Ask and you shall receive, as the famous phrase goes.

One night while searching through some old family photos, Tom and his friends, Colby and Noodle, find a riddle and a photographic clue. These clues are the key to a centuries-old family mystery and could save Tom from moving away. Some really bad people, however, are after the three friends - and want whatever the family secret is for themselves.

Can Tom and his friends solve the mystery and stop Tom from having to move to Kansas?

A great adventure for fans of mysteries. The characters are likable and three-dimensional; the plot is entertaining and well-developed. The glimpses into the past lives of Tom's family mixed with present day aren't distracting and only add to the mystery. Those who like adventure, fantasy, action, and mystery stories will enjoy reading EDISON'S GOLD. ( )