Something sinister happened decades ago to disgrace the Whittaker name. Can young Whit discover the truth about his family history—and find the traitor’s treasure—before they’re gone forever?

This Odyssey book series explores the history of the much-loved character John Avery Whittaker. The series introduces newcomers to the larger world of Odyssey. For readers who are already Odyssey-philes, the novels provide the history of the franchise’s most important character.

Whit and his family (father, Harold; stepmother, Fiona; half-sister, Charlie) have just moved to Provenance, NC, in the middle of the Great Depression. Harold will be teaching at nearby Duke University. Not-quite-10-year-old Johnny soon makes a friend in Emmy, who lives across the street and joins him in his adventures. At his new school, he encounters a bully who makes his life miserable, and he makes a new friend in Huck, the custodian. Both of them play key roles in the mysteries and action.

The central mystery in this book involves Confederate gold missing since the end of the Civil War and the question of whether Johnny’s ancestor was the coward and thief who stole it, as everyone believes.

• Book #1 in the Young Whit series
• Blends historical context with clean adventure to engage young readers
• Offers children a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of Whit’s formative years
• Best for kids ages 10 and up