The Seven Keys of Balabad

by Paul Haven

Book Overview

Inspired by the years he spent in Afghanistan and Pakistan as bureau chief with The Associated Press, Paul Haven's intricately crafted tale is filled with details of everyday life in this remote and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0375833501
• ISBN13: 9780375833502
• Release Date: January 2009
• Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
• Length: 271 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.8" x 8.2"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

An intriguing story set in an exotic location

Oliver Finch has a difficult time adjusting to life in the dusty, old-world country of Balabad, where his father has been reassigned as a reporter and his mother volunteers at the National Museum. Oliver misses his New York home. He misses his friends. He also misses pizza, ice cold sodas and the New York Yankees. After six months Oliver has made only one friend his age, Zaheer Mohammed Warzat ul-Hazis (Zee for short). The British-educated Zee is the oldest son of one of the most prominent families in war-ravaged Balabad. When the International School that Oliver attends closes for the summer, there's not much for him to do. To pass time, Oliver and Zee hang out in Balabad's noisy, dusty marketplace. Oliver is forbidden to venture into the ancient "Thieves' Market," so he and Zee spend time visiting with Mr. Haji in his crowded, one-room carpet shop. On summer afternoons the boys sip sweet green tea and listen to Mr. Haji --- the unofficial historian of Balabad --- haggle with customers and tell great tales. While visiting Mr. Haji's shop one day, Oliver finds the carpet seller anxiously thumbing his amber prayer beads. Oliver learns Mr. Haji is upset after reading news that a one-of-a-kind carpet has been stolen from a mosque. When Oliver asks what's so important about a missing carpet, Zee explains its significance and the treasures of King Agamon. The stolen carpet and a missing government official ignite events in Balabad and trigger bold thefts of centuries-old keys from secret locations around the world. In Balabad, a land of ancient mysteries where nothing is as it seems and no one is who he appears to be, Oliver, Zee and Alamai --- their beautiful new friend --- become ensnared in a brave and dangerous quest. After Mr. Haji disappears, the children join forces and must overcome their fears to rescue him and save the sacred treasures. THE SEVEN KEYS OF BALABAD is an intriguing story set in an exotic location. I recommend this book to middle-grade readers, especially boys who enjoy suspenseful mysteries and adventure stories with surprising twists and turns and thoroughly likable characters. --- Reviewed by Donna Volkenannt

An Ancient Treasure and a Modern NYC Teen

Oliver Finch was born and raised in New York City. So when his reporter father is assigned to work in Balabad, Oliver finds his new home dry and boring. So as any teen-ager might, he wanders about the city, always comparing it unfavorably to NYC. He's found a few things that make it less boring - Mr. Haji the carpet seller and unofficial historian of the country, and made friends with Zee, a local boy his own age. Things may never have changed for Oliver until a 500 year old carpet containing a secret is stolen, and then Zee disappears. Oliver finds himself dealing with the secret society of the Brotherhood of Arachosia, and the lost treasure of King Agamon. Suddenly Balabad isn't so boring, and maybe its even a little too exciting. Fun to read, interesting characters, and the country of Balabad is brought to life by Haven, who spent years as the Associated Press bureau chief in Pakistan and Afganistan. The story is loosely based on the actual Golden Horde of Bactria, discovered in Afganistan in 1978.