Adventure in Grand Canyon National Park: A Mystery Adventure (National Park Mystery Series)

Adventure in Grand Canyon National Park is Book Three of a ten book series (at the time of writing this review it is the latest book). The premise of the series is that teenager Jake is on a scavenger hunt through that National Parks with his friends Amber and Wes. The scavenger hunt was set by his grandfather and others before the start of the series and his grandfather’s death. But the scavenger hunt isn’t just for fun. His grandfather was working to discover something important, something that bad people want, too. So, Jake and his friends not only have to solve the clues/riddles that his grandfather left behind, but also keep ahead of the bad guys who are trying to stop them and steal the clues for themselves. Book three finds the three friends (and their families) at Grand Canyon National Park. Their quest takes them from the rim of the canyon, down to the river, and back up, hunting for clues hidden within the canyon. As they search, the meet new friends, encounter new enemies, and at times have their friendship tested. There is some information at the start of the book that gives back-story for anyone that hasn’t read the earlier books. But, I do think this book is best read after the first two books. It is really a continuation of the previous story. As with the previous two books, between the main chapters there are also chapters of a smaller story that takes place in 1880. By the end of the book, it is revealed how the stories are related to each other. I read this book as soon as I could get it with my 9-year-old son, and as soon as we finished he started reading it again on his own. He loved the first two books and when we finished this book, he said it was even better than the first two. Every time we finished a chapter, he begged to not stop reading. He enjoys the characters, who are a good mix of serious and funny. As with the previous books, he enjoyed trying to figure out the clues before the characters did, predict what might happen, and puzzle out how the 1880 story was related to the present-day story. Some clues he was able to get part of the way, which was rewarding, but not all the way, which made it exciting to read. As an adult who loves national parks, I also enjoyed this book. I liked reading and having my son learn about real places in Grand Canyon National Park. It definitely made us both interested in visiting those places. The story is engaging enough for adults and very exciting for kids. The writing and story are appropriate for the target age of 8-12. Some readers on the younger end or not quite as developed may find it takes some time to get through the whole book if reading on their own. I highly recommended this book (and series) for young or old readers.

These books are incredible! I am reading a couple chapters every night out loud to my daughter (7), son (9) and husband, and all of us are hooked. We just hit the cliff hanger at the end of this book and immediately ordered the next one. I love that each book is like taking a trip to the National Park. You learn about campcraft, history, facts about the park, all while spending some time with some really nice kids who always try their best, and work it out with each other when they mess up. Great role models, but without being stuffy. The dialogue is believable and often funny, and the mystery is absolutely gripping. Way to go, Aaron!

This book is perfect. I pre-read books for my son & daughter because so many just aren’t a great influence. This book is like striking gold—AND it’s part of a 10-book series that is currently being written so we have 7 more to look forward to, AND my kids get the thrill of anticipating the next release—that’s rare!! I plan to make each release date a family event! Here’s what sets this book series apart: -The main characters are ones I want my kids reading about: they are kind, smart & brave. -These kids are tired of their friends back home always being sucked into video games or only playing on their phones. The author downplays electronics a bit, but by making it cool to do so. -There is an element of the fantastical, but only in the adventure—the setting, history, geology, outdoor skills, etc. are all very real. And that is AWESOME because while I’m a huge fan of the “boy wizard” books, for example, they leave kids wanting to learn more about that world—which is fun—but THIS series leaves readers wanting to learn more about mysteries in archaeology and history and the marvels of geology and nature!! Which is even MORE fun because it’s REAL(!!!) and places they can potentially explore. -The parents are good people. And aren’t dead. That is so rare in kids books! It’s refreshing to read about parents being kind role models who trust their kids, and kids being respectful in return. -The mystery is fresh, surprising and clever and absolutely a page-turner!! All while avoiding anything too scary, and certainly nothing gory or creepy. Hooray! (This is also a plus for adult readers who like mystery but not gore or horror)! -The illustrations are a gift—a visual glimpse into the national parks, as well as something middle-grade chapter book readers aren’t usually treated to. -The information at the end of each book is such a treat, because you don’t want the book to end, and that section gives you more to explore and learn about until the next release date! (Encouraging the skill of self-motivated learning! Yes!!!) I’m so thankful to the author for this unique gift to kids (and adults)!

I hope the author makes 200 of these (expands to other parks or international parks). This makes my kid read and he learns so much. I also want to take him to all these places. Here are my son’s words: This is an awesome series! It kept me captivated the whole time. It felt like I was right there inside the book. It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time! Book 1- included a great start to a mystery and it was so cool and all the places were real! Book 2- was awesome it was so realistic I learned a lot about the dunes from this book Book 3- in this book the 1880 section got so cool! Book 4- I 24/7 was thinking about Zion it sounded so cool I now want to go there soooooooo bad! I can’t wait for the rest of the series! 5 star I highly recommend 😊😊

We purchased Book 1 at Rocky Mountain National Park and read it aloud to grandchildren ages 7 and 12. Now we're all "hooked" and needed Books 2 and 3 to continue the adventure. The older child had studied national parks in school, but the younger child is enjoying the story too. We hope (eventually) to make time to read the entire series aloud.