Edison’s Gold
by Geoff Watson
Age: 8-12
Summary:
Tom Edison doesn't want his family to leave Yonkers, NY, after his father loses his job. But it looks
like Wichita will be his new home in two weeks, no matter what. Tom won't go without a fight,
though—especially after he discovers a clue to a centuries-old family secret. His famous namesake,
Thomas Edison, had discovered the secret formula for changing metal into gold.
Now on a desperate search for the key to this monumental scientific discovery, Tom and his friends
will have to rely on each other to unlock this mystery and keep Tom's family from moving.
Full of gadgetry, historical rivalries, secret societies, and bad guys galore, Geoff Watson's Edison’s
Gold is a thrilling adventure for middle-grade readers.
Discussion Questions:
1. Edison’s Gold depicts a fictionalized account of the life and relationship of Thomas Edison
and Nikola Tesla. Research both men and their relationship with each other. Compare and
contrast the real-life relationship with the relationship in the book.
2. After Nanny Golightly goes haywire, Tom begins to feel discouraged about his inventions.
He believes that if his great-great-grandfather, Thomas Edison, were there to offer him
advice, he would say, “Just because something doesn’t do what you planned it to do doesn’t
mean it’s useless.” (pg. 27) Think about this quotation. Do you believe that something can
still be useful even if it does not turn out as you planned? Cite examples of how this
Edison’s Gold
quotation applies to Tom’s adventure as well as his inventions.
3. When Tom and his friends find the first riddle along with the roll of film in Tom’s basement,
Mr. Edison tries to convince them that it’s nothing. Why do you think he does this? Cite
examples from the text where you think he might have known more than he was letting on.
In the end why, do you think he finally decides to join in the search?
4. Tom is desperate to stop his family from moving to Wichita, and he is convinced that if he
solves the mystery of the Sub Rosa, his family will be able to stay in New York. Have you or
someone you know ever had to move and leave their friends behind? Describe the
experience.
5. When Tom, Noodle, and Colby find the packages from the Sub Rosa at Mitzi’s, Tom realizes
that their treasure hunt isn’t just a game and that there is no turning back. Put yourself in
Tom’s shoes. At that moment, what would you have done? Would you have turned back and
forgotten the mystery or kept going even if it meant the risk of unknown dangers? Why or
why not?
6. Motivated by revenge, Curt Keller is trying to beat Tom and his friends to the Sub Rosa’s
treasure using any means necessary. Think about the idea of revenge. Is seeking revenge
ever a good idea? Why or why not?
7. By helping Tom, Noodle and Colby risk getting arrested or worse! Why do you think they
take these risks? Have you ever had a friend put everything on the line for you? Have you
ever put everything on the line for a friend? Explain.
8. Following the clue inside the baseball bat from Grand Central Station, the gang discovers a
secret room that is part inventor’s lab and part treasure cave. Among the treasures Tom
finds Thomas Edison’s journal, which contains a note that says, “And though there will
undoubtedly arise the urge to use the formula for one’s own greed and wealth, you must
never succumb to its intoxicating powers, for knowledge is the most priceless treasure of
all.” (pg. 305) Do you agree with this last line? If you were Tom, would you be able to resist
the temptation of using the Sub Rosa’s secret for your own gain?
Edison’s Gold
9. Do you think that Tom would have been able to figure out the clues and find Edison’s
treasure room without Noodle and Colby’s help? Make a list of all the characteristics that
each of Tom’s friends have that make them instrumental in the hunt for the Sub Rosa’s
treasure.
10. Think about all the zany inventions Tom tries to make throughout the book—the bleachpowered electric car, Nanny Golightly, and the Clorox SuperDuperStick patent. What would
your invention be? Describe its functions and then draw a picture of what it would look like,
labeling the parts.
Edison’s Gold
978-1-60684-094-8 * $15.99
About the Author: At age seven, Geoff Watson made a modest literary
splash with his first novel, Ninja Turtles Versus Superman. His mother
called it “haunting, a masterpiece,” and it gained a cult following within
his family. Following this debut effort, Geoff suffered a twenty-three-year
writer’s block that finally ended with Edison’s Gold. He lives and works as a screenwriter in Los
Angeles, California.
For more information: www.egmontusa.com