A boy called Duct tape

Pablo Perez is a 12-year-old poor kid without much going for him. His classmates have dubbed him "Duct Tape" because his tattered discount-store sneakers are held together with-- you guessed it, duct tape. He can't escape the bullying. Pablo's luck, however, changes after he finds a $20 gold coin while swimming in a river near his home.

Pablo later buys a $1 treasure map at the county fair. The map shows the route to the "lost treasure" of Jesse James. Pablo can't help but wonder: Is there a link between the map and the gold coin?

He is determined to find out, and he, his 9-year-old sister and 13-year-old cousin hire an ill-mannered cave guide, and begin a treacherous underground adventure in search of treasure.