"Mountain parks and reservations are useful not only as fountains of timber and irrigating rivers, but as fountains of life." - John Muir
Speaking
I taught high school for over a decade, both in the classroom and online. So, I really enjoy speaking with students and groups. In order to keep my writing commitments, I'm unable to accommodate requests right now. My goal is to resume speaking in early 2027, but you can indicate your interest by sending a message using the form below.
Bulk Orders
If you are interested in wholesale or bulk orders, we have a dedicated page with special pricing and order information.
When will the next books in the series be released?
I receive a lot of emails asking this question. The best place to get the answer is on my publication schedule page. Here’s a direct link: Publication Schedule.
When will the next audiobooks be released?
I had hoped to have books three and four recorded and released 2024. However, I ended up sick for most of February and March, then had a persistent cough into August 2024. By then, I was thick in the process of publishing book 5. After our family settles into our new location, which also involves a major renovation, I hope to set up a recording studio at home. This will enable me to begin recording again so that I can release books 3, 4, and 5 on audio. However, I do not know exactly when. I will, however, send an email to everyone on the email list (you can sign up on the homepage) when I have the new audiobooks available.
Send Us A Message
(but before you do...)
1. Please read the FAQs below. These represent answers to about 80% of the emails we receive.
2. Publications dates: due to the high volume of emails regarding future books, we are unable to reply. Please see the information above.
3. Future Audiobooks: due to the high volume of emails regarding future audiobooks, we are unable to reply with further information. Please see the information posted above.
FAQs
For what age group did you write the National Park Mystery Series?
The books are written for a core audience of 7 to 14-year-olds. However, kids as young as five enjoy the books as read-alouds. The reading level is about 5th grade. However, it’s probably helpful to note that most adult books are written at about an 8th-grade level, and the NIV Bible is translated for a 13-year-old reading level. So, while it’s 5th-grade in sentence structure, vocabulary, etc., it holds the interest of readers from a wide variety of age groups. In fact, our second largest group of readers are grandparents! Adults who love mystery, wonder, and adventure often get hooked on the series.
Do the books have to be read in consecutive order?
I’ve written the series so that you can pick up any one of the books and enjoy it without reading the earlier books. There is an intro at the beginning of each book that gets you up to speed with the larger backstory. That being said, I think they are best enjoyed when read in order.
Are the characters from diverse backgrounds?
Yes, the main characters come from diverse ethnic backgrounds 🙂 As a teacher, I want my characters to resemble the kids in classrooms across the United States. Jake is white. His cousin Wes (most kids’ favorite character) has parents who are black and white (Wes has red hair and freckles). Amber is Hispanic, with both her parents from Argentina (she has dual citizenship and speaks Spanish). The 1880 characters come from a variety of backgrounds, reflecting the melting pot of the American West during that time: Native Americans from various tribes, Chinese (in San Francisco), Spanish and European ranchers, among others.
What are the Lexile Reading Levels for each of the books?
I’ve not paid to have Lexile analyze each of the books. However, Renaissance (Accelerated Reader) has given the books the following ATOS Reading Levels. The first letter represents the grade reading level, and the second number represents the month. So, a 4.8 is a book that can be easily understood by the average fourth-grade reader who has achieved their 8th month of that grade.
Book 1 – 4.8 ATOS
Book 2 – 5.0 ATOS
Book 3 – 4.7 ATOS
Book 4 – 4.8 ATOS
Book 5 – 5.2 ATOS
Can my student read these and get credit in the Accelerated Reader program?
Yes. Books 1 through 5 are available as part of the Accelerated Reader Program. You can use the AC bookfinder page to search for available books: https://www.arbookfind.com/
Can I send you a letter?
I LOVE receiving mail. I just can’t promise that I’ll have time to respond. (Please include your email address.) My mailing address is Aaron Johnson, PO BOX 1228, Westcliffe, CO 81252.