Mystery in Rocky Mountain National Park - (National Park Mystery) by Aaron Johnson (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Before Jake's grandfather died, he was on the trail of a centuries-old mystery. And he has entrusted that mystery to Jake, leaving behind a set of hidden codes, riddles, maps, and other clues that lead Jake and his friends on a scavenger hunt into the heart of Colorado's wild and rugged Rocky Mountain National Park.

Through twists and turns, the mystery unfolds while Jake, Amber, and Wes learn about survival skills, natural history, integrity, character, and friendship.

Along the way, they discover they are not the only ones on this quest. An elusive shadow group is close on their heels.

With over thirty illustrations by the author, this page-turning adventure is designed to capture the imagination of even the most reluctant of young readers. Parents looking for a delightful read-aloud adventure will find it hard to put down. (Word of Caution: readers frequently note that this is a "Please read just one more chapter" book).

If your family loves the enchanted lands of our national parks, this series will take you to hidden places and into breathtaking landscapes. If you enjoy adventures like the Hardy Boys, Swiss Family Robinson, and Gary Paulsen's survival story, Hatchet, you'll love this first installment of the National Park Mystery Series.

Review Quotes

"A riveting page-turner! Equal parts Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, and Daniel Boone. This mystery leaves you satisfied and intensely intrigued for the next book. The backdrop of the magic of natural resources intertwined with teenagers evolving ingenuity keeps you guessing and smiling. Mystery in Rocky Mountain National Park is a hike worth taking."

- Jody Slipko, Enrichment and Reading Teacher, Grand Island, NY

"This book is suspenseful from the beginning and a great introduction for children to the national parks system. I can see my 5th graders enjoying their reading. If your child likes adventure, they will like this story."

- Kasey Womack, 5th GradeTeacher, Texas

"Excellent book for young readers! It combines the joys of being outdoors with adventure, mystery, and friendship. It also sneaks in some great day hiking education and National Park history!"

- J. Marzullo, Mom of four backcountry hiking girls

"This book was so fun to read! It kept my attention through the whole book! Mystery in Rocky Mountain National Park is an intriguing, adventure-filled story, with a bone chilling mystery just around the corner! This book is a must-read for ages 8-12!"

-Ella M., Kid, Quarryville, PA

"This book blends historical fiction and realistic fiction with mystery. Readers will like the story and will learn interesting facts from the Author's Notes. I look forward to reading the rest of the series."

- Marge, Retired School Librarian, FL

"I read this book with my 2 daughters, ages 9 and 7. We are National park fanatics, and we had a blast reading this book together, especially since we just visited RMNP. We had our park map out and would look up each location mentioned in the book. My 9 year stole the book from me and stayed up late finishing it on her own!"

- Lynn Darrah, High School Special Educator and Mom

"Our 5th-grade daughter started reading the book as soon as we got it. Before I knew it she was already over halfway through. She says that she loves the scavenger hunt and the characters of the book. She has a hard time putting it down to do her chores. I love that she picks to read the book over screen time each day after school."

- Father of Two in Houston, TX

"Loved the book. Adventure, suspense, and educational! Wonderful. Can't wait for the next book in the series!"

- Grandmother to four inquisitive grandchildren in Denver, CO

"This book by far exceeded my expectations. I cannot wait to take my kids on another adventure to a National Park and read this along the way. The adventure was rich, the dialogue was natural, the places that I've been were very accurately described and those I have not been to were easy to imagine. I did not want to put the book down."

- Rockwood Area Elementary 2nd Grade Teacher, Rockwood, PA.

"My two sons and I recently received an advanced reader copy of "Mystery in Rocky Mountains" and couldn't put it down. It was fun being able to visualize some of the locations due to visiting Colorado last summer. My two boys (ages 10 and 9) really enjoy reading mysteries as well as learning about history. If your child enjoys a good laugh, a good mystery, and a book that they can't put down. Can't wait to read book 2!"

- Elijah (age 10), Tucker (age 9), and Ashley K. (parent and homeschool teacher) in Henniker, NH