Grizzly Peak

Gr 4–6—Brief on character development but brisk on pacing and action, this is an adventure/survival novel set in the Cariboo Mountains in Central British Columbia. Aaron and his dad set off for two weeks of canoeing through a series of lakes after Aaron's expulsion from school. Aaron has had previous wilderness experiences, and while he doesn't relish the time spent entirely alone with his father, he is excited for the outdoor adventure aspect of the trip. The expedition is fraught with typical, but exciting, perils of nature, from white-water rapids to grizzly bears. Along the way, father and son attempt to reconcile, but the path is not smooth. Both characters must rely on each other, and the climax of the story is intense and dramatic. This is a fast-paced novel that is not overwhelming in terms of length or depth and will be enjoyed by fans of Gary Paulsen and Will Hobbs. Knowledge of the previous titles in the series might be helpful in relation to some secondary characters mentioned but is not a prerequisite for this episode.