"Zach reached down and picked up pieces of the rock that had chipped off the crab. "This feels like some type of mortar that the Maya used in their buildings. Someone must have encased the crab in the mortar to protect it from being found."
"There are no markings of any type on it that I can see," Alex said as she turned the crab over and examined it closely. "Wait! It looks like the top half of the shell is welded shut." Alex grabbed the scissors from the bathroom and began to pry the rounded edge of the shell where it met the body of the crab. Little by little the top part of the shell separated from the rest of the crab until it finally came loose. Dropping the scissors on the bed, Alex gently lifted the top and revealed a small folded piece of parchment hidden in the belly of the crab."
Thirteen -year-old Zach and his eleven-year-old sister Alex have trouble getting along. But when their family goes the Yucatan Peninsula for the summer all they have is each other. Zach discovers a small golden crab on a deserted beach. Further exploration reveals a map showing tunnels that lie underneath the ruins of the Mayan city of Tecsuna. Zach sets out to explore the tunnels and finds himself involved in an adventure that determines the fate of his family.
"The Tunnels of Tecsuna" is a fast, fun adventure story that readers of all ages will enjoy. It will appeal to anyone who has looked for shells on the beach but hoped to find something more. It will take you along for the ride and when you're done - you will want to take a trip to the Yucatan Peninsula yourself! This book teaches of relationships, caring about others, standing up for what is right, good vs. evil, and understanding that knowing history can affect the future. I recommend it especially for boys and girls nine years old and up.
