“I love that they are wholesome - I don't have to worry about the content.”
- Mom of 9-year-old daughter

“It emphasizes teamwork and problem resolution and has great examples of kindness and empathy - to even the adversary. I've been looking for books like this, and can't wait to read more from this author!”
- Aaron F.

“No cursing, no meanness, but a sense of honesty and decency shows itself early on in the character of the three teens as they work together and learn to trust each other's hunches.”
- Cindy in GA

“This was such a wonderful book! It has a strong family, the children were respectful to their parents, and it was very interesting”
- Craig K.

“The characters work together and treat each other in ways that kids can look up to and hopefully emulate. I would recommend this book to any adventurous, nature-loving child (or adult).”
- Amazon Reviewer

“I love the maps and sketches laced throughout the book.”
- B G James
“The author did all of the illustrations within the book, and they help with picturing what's happening in the story. “
- Scott Leach, Middle-Grade Teacher

“This is a ‘can't put it down’ book. I've organized and led hikes into the Grand Canyon for over 20 years and am impressed by the level of detail very naturally woven into the story without diminishing the high-energy, fast-paced tempo that readers will enjoy.”
- Joan, Adventure in Grand Canyon National Park review

“Johnson’s descriptions of the national parks have sparked a starry-eyed fascination in my kiddo who keeps telling me all the parts of the national parks he wants to visit. A must-read!”
- Anika K.

“These kids are also cool, brave, clever, witty, and fun! Oh, and their parents are good people—and alive! It’s really rare to find that in kids’ books! Hooray for positive parent role models in kids’ books!”
- Parent

“I loved the relationships between the kids and between the grown-ups and kids in the story. There is respect shown both ways, and the kids are given responsibility and independence.”
- Patricia, Amazon Reviewer

“It covers language arts, science, history, geology, and geography. This book is such a treasure!”
- Marcus S.

“I can see readers wanting to learn more about so many different topics – ciphers, morse code, wildlife skills, mountain biking, history, the list goes on and on.”
- Cracker Crumb Life

“Do not skip the author's notes at the end of each book. Notes contain all kinds of great information on the history of the parks, websites to visit, The Ten Essentials for hiking, etc.”
- Janet P

“One thing I love in particular about the story is that while the kids are doing the adventure on their own, they are still respectful to adults and realize they need their help and wisdom to complete their missions.”
- Jeff F.

“I like how the kids learn to work together, and their parents trust their children to explore.”
- Shannon M., Veteran Teacher

“My 11-year-old is an avid reader. We picked this up for him. He read it in a day. He said he loved it, ‘especially the 1880s parts.’”
- Dan. M.

“This story transports readers to the park with exciting and detailed descriptions and brings the facts and history to life.”
- Martha

“I also enjoyed the history—I actually looked up online more about some of the story to see if it was true.”
- Russell B.

“My third daughter is not a bookworm like my other two daughters. She kept claiming to my wife, her sisters, and teachers that there were no books out that interested her. I told her I’d find one she laughed. I got this book Friday morning and gave it to my daughter. She began to read it, didn't put the book down. By Saturday afternoon she said she had finished the book and would like the next book to read.”
- Father of a Reluctant Reader,

“As a 5th-grade teacher, I plan on sharing this with my class in the fall and my fellow teachers. It is a great story for upper-elementary readers that moves quickly, with lots of cross-curricular opportunities built-in with rich vocabulary. I know some of my reluctant readers will be engaged and want the next book in the series to continue Jake's journey.”
- Julia S., Teacher