Welcome to the Adventure of a Lifetime!
The Around the World Adventures of Alfred Mattera: The Lost Tlingit Treasure
What do you get when you mix a 10¾-year-old aspiring detective, an ancient Alaskan treasure, and a family vacation that’s anything but ordinary?
You get The Around the World Adventures of Alfred Mattera: The Lost Tlingit Treasure, a laugh-out-loud, heart-pounding journey that will take you deep into Alaska’s wilderness—and straight into an unforgettable mystery!
Meet Alfred
He’s just your average kid… except he accidentally broke a priceless artifact in a museum, uncovered a centuries-old riddle, and is now running from bears, dodging arrows, and deciphering clues to find the Lost Tlingit Treasure. No big deal, right?
Meet Lucy
Alfred’s older sister, artist extraordinaire, and possibly the loudest screamer you’ve ever met. (Trust us, you’ll hear her scream!)
Meet Gushklin
A local boy who knows his way around a sled, can crack riddles like a pro, and has dreams as big as Alaska itself.
Together, this unlikely team must face trickster ravens, angry avalanches, and one very persistent treasure hunter to save an ancient treasure—and maybe even themselves.
Why You’ll Love This Book
- Perfect for fans of Magic Tree House, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and Indiana Jones.
- Packed with mystery, humor, and heart—plus a dash of history and science!
- Explores the rich culture of the Tlingit people .
- Full of doodles, “Lucy’s life-like drawings,” and plenty of surprises!
Are You Ready to Join the Adventure?
Grab your notebook, sharpen your detective skills, and dive into Alfred Mattera’s thrilling first journal. And keep an eye out… because the next treasure hunt is already calling from Bolivia!
“Summer is a terrific new voice for young readers. Her debut novel has it all: mystery, puzzles, intrigue, and will instill readers with drive to explore the world and learn about unfamiliar cultures. A worthwhile read!”
– Stacia Deutsch, New York Times Best Selling Author
“It’s The Magic Treehouse meets Indiana Jones and I loved it”
– Tracy Borgmeyer, Award-winning Author
Legal Note From the Publisher
Dear Reader,
It all started when I found a bottle washed up on the shore during one of my adventures. Inside, I found a diary—yes, an actual diary—along with a note from someone named Lucy Mattera. Her note explained that she had “borrowed” her brother Alfred’s journal because, in her words, “the world deserves to hear about this treasure hunt.”
After reading the diary, I couldn’t agree more. What you hold in your hands is Alfred’s account of their family’s misadventure in Alaska. It’s got everything: ancient treasure, angry bears, a seriously unfortunate ceramic eagle, and one very questionable plane ride. If you’re expecting a calm, ordinary tale, put this book down immediately.
But if you love wild adventures, big laughs, and solving mysteries, then read on. Just remember, you’ve been warned: this treasure hunt gets messy.
Adventure awaits!
—S. Willis
(Fellow Adventurer)
This journal contains the top-secret detective notes of Alfred Mattera, age 10¾, documenting my adventures (and misadventures) in Alaska. It’s for my eyes only.
If you’re reading this and your name is NOT Alfred Mattera, kindly PUT IT DOWN.
Especially you, Lucy. I know you think you’re sneaky, but if I catch you snooping, I will tell Mom about the time you ate an entire box of cookies and blamed it on the dog.
This is serious business—clues, mysteries, and possibly life-or-death situations. Not everything here is fun and games (okay, some of it is).
So, KEEP OUT. Or else.
Sincerely,
Alfred Mattera, Future Detective Extraordinaire
P.S. Lucy, I will know if you read this. Don’t test me.
WELCOME TO THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME!
About Summer Willis
Hey there! I’m Summer Willis, a Texan with a wild imagination and a love for storytelling. As a kid, I dreamt of being everything from a writer to an explorer, a teacher, and even a geologist. Now, as an adult, I get to be all of those things through the characters and worlds I create.
I studied English at The University of Texas in Austin, where I fell deeper in love with the power of words. Alongside my studies, I taught in elementary schools across the globe, from Chile and Mexico to Tanzania and New Orleans. These experiences opened my eyes to different cultures and fueled my passion for storytelling.
When I’m not lost in books or crafting stories, you’ll find me embarking on new adventures and cherishing precious moments with my husband and sons. They inspire me to see the magic in everyday life and infuse my writing with wonder.
Through my stories, I aim to transport readers to captivating worlds, spark their imaginations, and instill a love for reading. Join me on this journey of exploration, as we uncover mysteries, celebrate diversity, and embrace the beauty of storytelling together.
