📖 Overview
Jennifer Chambliss Bertman is an American children's book author best known for creating the "Book Scavenger" series, a middle-grade mystery series that combines puzzles, ciphers, and literary references.
Her debut novel "Book Scavenger" was published in 2015 and became a New York Times bestseller, receiving recognition including an Agatha Award nomination and selection for multiple state reading lists. The series follows twelve-year-old Emily Crane as she participates in an elaborate hide-and-seek game involving books hidden in various locations.
Bertman holds a degree in Creative Writing from the University of California, Irvine and previously worked in publishing before becoming a full-time writer. She frequently incorporates her interest in puzzles, codes, and gaming into her writing for young readers.
Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Bertman continues to write middle-grade fiction and participates in literary events and school visits. Her work often explores themes of friendship, problem-solving, and the joy of reading.
👀 Reviews
Readers consistently highlight the Book Scavenger series' blend of puzzles, mystery-solving, and literary references. Parents and teachers note the books encourage reading and problem-solving skills in middle-grade students.
What readers liked:
- Interactive elements that let readers solve puzzles alongside characters
- Educational value without feeling didactic
- San Francisco setting details
- Balance of friendship dynamics with mystery plot
- Clear writing style accessible to target age group
What readers disliked:
- Some found later books in series less engaging than first
- Puzzle solutions occasional feel contrived
- Secondary characters need more development
- Pacing issues in middle sections
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads: Book Scavenger (4.2/5 from 8,000+ ratings)
Amazon: Book Scavenger (4.7/5 from 500+ ratings)
Common Sense Media: 4/5 parent rating, 4/5 kid rating
Reader quote: "My 10-year-old went from reluctant reader to book enthusiast after discovering this series. The puzzle elements kept her engaged while building comprehension skills."
📚 Books by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
Book Scavenger (2015)
Twelve-year-old Emily moves to San Francisco and becomes involved in an online game where players hunt for books hidden in cities across the country, but finds herself racing to solve a puzzle after the game's creator is attacked.
The Unbreakable Code (2017) Emily and James investigate the connection between a series of fires in San Francisco and a mysterious book cipher, while participating in a citywide scavenger hunt based on the work of Edgar Allan Poe.
The Alcatraz Escape (2018) Emily and James tackle an Alcatraz-themed escape room challenge, but their game turns real when they discover a hidden threat to the prison-turned-museum.
End of the Trail (2019) Emily and James head to Wyoming to help search for a missing person, where they encounter puzzles related to the Oregon Trail computer game and historical westward migration.
Clever Canines (2022) A nonfiction book exploring the history of dogs serving various roles in society, from ancient times to modern day working dogs.
The Unbreakable Code (2017) Emily and James investigate the connection between a series of fires in San Francisco and a mysterious book cipher, while participating in a citywide scavenger hunt based on the work of Edgar Allan Poe.
The Alcatraz Escape (2018) Emily and James tackle an Alcatraz-themed escape room challenge, but their game turns real when they discover a hidden threat to the prison-turned-museum.
End of the Trail (2019) Emily and James head to Wyoming to help search for a missing person, where they encounter puzzles related to the Oregon Trail computer game and historical westward migration.
Clever Canines (2022) A nonfiction book exploring the history of dogs serving various roles in society, from ancient times to modern day working dogs.
👥 Similar authors
Chris Grabenstein writes mysteries for middle-grade readers featuring puzzles and library adventures, including the "Mr. Lemoncello" series. His books include riddles and codes that readers can solve alongside the characters.
Trenton Lee Stewart created "The Mysterious Benedict Society" series about gifted children solving complex puzzles and ciphers. The books focus on teamwork and intellectual challenges while incorporating elements of mystery.
Blue Balliett writes mysteries that combine art history with code-breaking and problem-solving, including "Chasing Vermeer." Her books feature young detectives who uncover connections between real-world art and intricate puzzles.
Kate Messner creates mysteries with historical elements and hidden clues, including the "History Pals" and "Ranger in Time" series. Her stories incorporate research skills and investigation techniques similar to those used in book-based mysteries.
Mac Barnett writes the "Mac B., Kid Spy" series and other books featuring codes, secrets, and investigation. His work combines mystery elements with hidden messages and historical references that readers uncover throughout the story.
Trenton Lee Stewart created "The Mysterious Benedict Society" series about gifted children solving complex puzzles and ciphers. The books focus on teamwork and intellectual challenges while incorporating elements of mystery.
Blue Balliett writes mysteries that combine art history with code-breaking and problem-solving, including "Chasing Vermeer." Her books feature young detectives who uncover connections between real-world art and intricate puzzles.
Kate Messner creates mysteries with historical elements and hidden clues, including the "History Pals" and "Ranger in Time" series. Her stories incorporate research skills and investigation techniques similar to those used in book-based mysteries.
Mac Barnett writes the "Mac B., Kid Spy" series and other books featuring codes, secrets, and investigation. His work combines mystery elements with hidden messages and historical references that readers uncover throughout the story.