Sunken Treasure

A readable, involving text, paired with attractive watercolor illustrations focuses on the history and fate of Nuestra Senora de Antocha. The Antocha is a 17th century Spanish galleon that sank during a hurricane off the coast of Florida. The book details the history of the wreck and the many attempts to salvage her, culminating in the successful 1985 operation that netted one of the most lucrative treasures ever found. The Antocha is only the alluring frame for the story: along the way, readers also discover a tremendous amount of information about sunken treasure, salvage operations, the history of diving, the restoration and preservation of wrecks, and much more. Gibbons also briefly details other famous treasure hunts: the Mary Rose , the Vasa , the Whydah and, finally, the Titanic. For its engrossing subject matter and attractive, well-designed package, this book reveals Gibbons at her best. Ages 6-10. (September)