The Treasure of Tel Maresha
In her author’s note, Tammar Stein relates that a ten-year-old girl found a gold earring representing the Greek goddess Nike, in an underground cave at Tel Maresha, an archaeological site in Israel. Wondering about this beautiful object—where it came from, who had owned it, how it had been lost—led Stein to write The Treasure of Tel Maresha, her sixth book for young readers.
Becca has reluctantly accompanied her family to Israel for summer vacation. She would have preferred to stay home, especially since they will be moving before school starts again and she’s missing precious time with her best friend. But when their tour group is invited to participate in a dig in what was once someone’s basement, she begins to get interested.
In chapters alternating between the present and 2,200 years ago, we learn more about Becca, and also about Rebeka, who had once lived in the house where the earring was found. Rebeka is also facing a move; the increasing tension between Edomites and Jews is making Maresha dangerous. When a Greek merchant invites the family to join his caravan and relocate to Athens, Rebeka’s parents leap at the chance to go someplace safer, even if it means leaving their community and many possessions (including a pair of gold earrings) behind.
Stein has a light hand with history, and readers will readily absorb details about daily life, family relationships, customs, and ethnic conflict in the area 2,200 years ago. The lure of archaeology and the chance of finding buried treasure, as well as the well-drawn and sympathetic characters, make this an inviting and satisfying read. Ages 10 and up.
