Discovery in Great Sand Dunes National Park: A Mystery Adventure (National Park Mystery Series)
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Riddles – Lost Landmarks – Hidden Clues – Real Locations
The scavenger hunt continues in book two of the bestselling National Park Mystery Series.
After camping in Rocky Mountain National Park, Jake and his friends travel to the Great Sand Dunes in southern Colorado. Exploring the heart of the dunes, they stumble upon something both unexpected and dangerous. Through more twists and turns, Jake’s friendships and integrity are tested by choices that will demand smarts and courage.
The National Park Mystery Series
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 most wild and rugged wilderness of the national parks.
The mystery unfolds as 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.
Illustrated 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” experience).
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 movies like National Treasure and Uncharted, or mystery adventures like the Hardy Boys and Gary Paulsen’s survival story, Hatchet, you’ll love this second installment of the National Park Mystery Series. Start this epic adventure on your Kindle app, or begin the journey with a paperback copy.
From the Publisher
Follow Along with the Maps!
“I’m 13, and I love these books so much! Some of the problems are ones I can relate to, and I just can’t put these books down!”
– Liv, Student, 13
A Read-Aloud Adventure for the Entire Family
“Reading with my third-grade class, and they never want to stop listening. Their imagination is captivated, and it makes them crave adventure!”
– Sarah Gross, Educator
History Meets Mystery in the Wilderness
“I love how the characters have to do all these adventures and solve mysteries, and I like to try to solve them before they do. My favorite part of the books is EVERYTHING!”
– Patrick, Student, age 9
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Book | Movie Comparison
The Hardy Boys | National Treasure Nancy Drew | Indiana Jones Three Musketeers | Goonies The Sandlot | Sherlock Holmes Hatchet | Treasure Island
Character Growth
Teamwork and trusting others’ skills, working through grief Conflict resolution, honesty, and doing the right thing Dealing with jealousy, learning to name and manage emotions Responding to bullies, working through anger Dealing with fear, anxiety, and panic.
Educational Elements
Wilderness Safety and Survival, Colorado and US History Ecosystems, Water Cycle, Rangers’ Roles and Park Service Grand Canyon History, Fire Safety, Indigenous Culture and History Wayfinding, First Aid, Slot Canyons, Early American History Orienteering, Search and Rescue, Forestry, National Park History
Publisher : Aaron Johnson
Publication date : September 29, 2022
Language : English
Print length : 266 pages
ISBN-10 : 0989711676
ISBN-13 : 978-0989711678
Item Weight : 9.9 ounces
Reading age : 8 – 11 years, from customers
Dimensions : 5.25 x 0.67 x 8 inches
Book 2 of 5 : National Park Mystery Series
Best Sellers Rank: #846 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #1 in Children’s American Local History #2 in Children’s Intermediate Readers #7 in Children’s Mystery, Detective, & Spy
Customer Reviews: 4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars (903) var dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction; P.when(‘A’, ‘ready’).execute(function(A) { if (dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction !== true) { dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction = true; A.declarative( ‘acrLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault”: true }, function (event) { if (window.ue) { ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } } ); } }); P.when(‘A’, ‘cf’).execute(function(A) { A.declarative(‘acrStarsLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault” : true }, function(event){ if(window.ue) { ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } }); });
8 reviews for Discovery in Great Sand Dunes National Park: A Mystery Adventure (National Park Mystery Series)
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R. Zeilstra –
Exciting Second Installment of the Series
We purchased both the Kindle and print version of this book. After reading Book 1 (Mystery in Rocky Mountain National Park) my 9-year-old son couldn’t wait to read the next book, and this book did not disappoint.So yes, this is Book 2 of a ten book series. The premise of the series is that the main character, Jake, is on a scavenger hunt through ten National Parks. The scavenger hunt was set up for him by his grandpa, who dies just before the start of the first book and leaves him all the clues. I think it would be possible to enjoy this book as a stand-alone book. However, I think really is better as part of the series. There are several things that link from this book to the previous book, besides just character development and back-story. There’s also set-up for the next book.This book held my 9-year-old son’s interest through the whole story (his 6-year-old brother also wanted to sit and listen to the whole second half of the book). There is quite a bit of adventure that happens in the story – at several points my son was jumping up and down because he was so excited by the action. There are a few spots where the pacing is a little slower and Aaron Johnson has worked in educational information – like about how the sand dunes form, or information about activities at the park. As a mom, I think it’s a great (sneaky) way to make learning about Great Sand Dunes National Park seem fun and not like obvious studying.Like the first book, this book alternates between two story lines: one that happens in 1880 and one that happens in present day (2019). Most of the action occurs in the present-day story, which involves the scavenger hunt and solving clues/cyphers/riddles. These clues are appropriate for the target age of the book. Often, they were clear enough that my son could get a little on the right track but not really figure them out. He felt rewarded being able to get them partway/close, but still found it exciting when the answers were revealed because it was usually not exactly what he guessed. Also, besides the “designated” clues, there are links between the two story lines that become more obvious as the book goes on. We both had fun trying to guess how the two story lines would end up fitting together. And while the book is geared for kids, I myself found it enjoyable to read with my son because I also liked trying to puzzle together the pieces (in fact when the hard copy of the book arrived I read ahead a little because I wanted to know what would happen).Within the context of being exciting and educational, the book also gives some good values: the importance of being a good friend, the importance of being honest, and being brave in the face of danger. The reading level is something that seems appropriate for 8-12 age. For a reader on the younger side that reads more slowly, the length of the book may be a bit challenging for them to get through on their own, or at least will take some time.Overall, what I enjoyed most about the book:-Mentions real places in the National Park to learn and appreciate the park more. Plus, made my kids more excited to go visit the park, which we plan to do one day.-Interesting story line that even an adult can enjoy trying to puzzle through.-Seeing how much my son enjoyed the book and the look excitement on his face every time something happened that tied to other clues or previous action.I asked my son what he enjoyed about the book. His first response was EVERYTHING. Then, he gave me a few of his more specific favorites (spoilers removed):-The descriptions used in the book were good because then he could imagine the places and people in his mind.-There were often several levels to the clues, so that you might think you know the answer to a clue and then find out a new piece of information that makes you go back and rethink your answer to come up with a new one.-You learn the history of how the place came to be there and how what happened in 1880 is related to present day.-There are some funny parts and lots of exciting parts.-There are hints of what might be coming in later books in the series.Overall, I highly recommend this book. Probably best for age 8-12, but I think younger and older kids could enjoy it, too.
Tonna –
Great book
Book 2 in this series was just as good or better than the first one according to my 10 year old grandson. He can’t wait to get the 3rd book.
Mindy Ellis –
Highly recommend!!
These are the best series!! The kids are funny, respectful to their parents, on a super interesting/engaging adventure. I have been reading to my 7 year old and our entire family has enjoyed the books. He begs me “keep reading!”. I highly recommend!
jaynem –
Great, wholesome reads ❤️
So far, I have read the first two books in the series and I own all five of them. They are just great! You learn so much about each park and you get to interact with cool kids who are trying to solve a mystery. Very enjoyable.
Megan –
fantastic
I’m pre reading these before my son reads them. I’ve read 2 today, and already know I will be sad that I am gonna run out of them before the next one is published. Great stories, good content, nothing you have to worry about your kids reading, no vulgarity or crass behavior. 10/10 would recommend.
Coffee Sipper –
Great Book!
Book 2 is not as cool or funny as book 1. But it is still really cool. My favorite part is when Jake got a new knife.
Jodie –
Great summer reading book
My 5th grader has been very into the National Parks since 4th grade when they studied about them in school We have had the opportunity to go to a few in the last couple of years and he always takes one of these books with him on the trips. He loves the storyline and the characters and the fact that they are based in the National Parks.
jeff tobey –
great book !
great book for adventures. well wrote and nice drawings,