- Book 5 of a series in which a family camps at different national parks
- the siblings-cousin trio have been challenged with a complicated scavenger hunt which brings both laughs and distresses in classic Grand Canyon-type situations
- convo: video games throughout (see below!), the titular “rescue” is intense but age-appropriate and ends well
- clean language
Type: chapter book
Ages: 8-12
Author: C.R. Fulton
Video games, ehh? Normally, that’s mentioned as a conversation point for negative reasons, but it was well played (oops, pun). Isaiah, the siblings’ [now 15-year-old] cousin who always travels with them to the various campgrounds across the USA, has brought along a handheld device on this trip. It gets him into a few pickles, annoys everyone else, and Isaiah misses out on a whole lot of amazing experiences. In the end, he regrets it and understands his blunder. We haven’t started the next book, but I imagine (aka hope) he remains the Isaiah we all know and love. Lastly on video games: it didn’t dominate the story, and I appreciated how Fulton crafted it.
This was a vivid one for my children, because they’ve had the privilege of camping at the Grand Canyon themselves and could picture the scenes. The family of five (four + cousin) do it all! From mule rides down into the canyon to dusty campsites to helping someone in need.
And it is JUST as unrealistic as the other stories. I type that with a smile. I recommend simply enjoying the story and knowing your children aren’t being bombarded with the agenda du jour. It would make a good road trip audiobook for the family!
Review of Book 1: Grand Teton Stampede
Review of Book 2: Smoky Mountain Survival
Review of Book 3: Zion Gold Rush
Review of Book 4: Rocky Mountain Challenge