In THE WHITES OF THEIR EYES, Benjamin and Jill continue their quest as the “Keepers of the School.” The sixth graders are determined to stop greedy developers from destroying their school with a wrecking ball. Located in the seaside town of Edgeport, Massachusetts, Captain Duncan Oakes School is rich in maritime and American history.

The week after Mr. Keane, the beloved school janitor, has died, Ben sneaks into the school at night. Before he slipped from life, Mr. Keane entrusted Ben with an antique coin inscribed “First and always, my school belongs to the children. Defend it. Duncan Oakes, 1783.” As the clock ticks and the countdown to destruction draws near, the Keepers receive help from a surprising source to outwit the evil and ruthless janitor, Lyman. The third Keeper, the not-so-humble genius classmate Robert Gerritt, becomes their secret ally.

Ben and Robert have a history, and it’s not a friendly one. Ben has rescued the daredevil and highly competitive Robert from drowning during a sailing competition, but Robert doesn’t appear grateful. Ben sees Robert as a showoff, a spoiled brat with a fancy sailboat out to win at any cost. When not trying to save the school, Ben enjoys spending time in his new sailboat, which is nowhere near as fancy as rich-boy Robert’s. But Robert isn’t what he appears to be, and Ben comes to realize there’s more to him than meets the eye. Robert is clever, determined and technically savvy, which slows down Lyman’s spying activities. But the creepy Lyman isn’t going to let the Keepers outwit him. He has a secret and very dangerous weapon of his own.

THE WHITES OF THEIR EYES is the third installment in the Benjamin Pratt & the Keepers of the School series. As with the previous titles, this book includes nautical terms and historical references to the Revolutionary War. Award-winning author Andrew Clements brings back intrepid detectives Ben and Jill, along with Robert and other familiar characters. Ben also learns the important lessons of being thankful for his blessings and not being quick to judge others.

More clues, a map, an enormous treasure and a snarling moose of a Rottweiler add to the suspense and heighten the drama. Young readers who are captivated by mysteries and the lure of the sea should enjoy THE WHITES OF THEIR EYES.