Adventure in Grand Canyon National Park: A Mystery Adventure

National Park Mystery #3

by Aaron Johnson

Follow the clues to real locations on a quest to solve an ancient mystery. The scavenger hunt takes Jake and his friends, where few people venture to go, into the depths of the Grand Canyon. Jake, Amber, and Wes encounter new dangers and find their friendship tested as they follow the clues Jake’s grandfather hid away in the old scrapbook. The stakes are higher, and the history goes deeper as the three kids put their heads together to solve a puzzle that is perhaps hundreds of years in the making. With over fifty illustrations drawn by the author, this mystery adventure will keep you turning pages and might just keep you up past bedtime. 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 while camping in 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 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 third installment of the National Park Mystery Series . Start this epic adventure on your Kindle app, or begin the journey with a paperback copy.

Genres: Mystery, Childrens, Adventure, Fiction, Middle Grade, Travel, Action

282 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2023

About the author

Aaron Johnson is the author of middle-grade mystery-adventure novels and non-fiction books in the field of online education.

Middle-Grade Fiction
Aaron Johnson is the author and illustrator of the middle-grade mystery-adventure books in the National Park Mystery Series. As a backcountry guide, he has lived numerous months out of his backpack exploring Rocky Mountain National Park and the wilderness areas of Colorado. He is a former high school and middle school teacher and the founder of the online hiking guide, Dayhikes Near Denver. With over one-million visitors per year, it has become the most popular hiking resource for the Denver Metro Area and Front Range of Colorado. Aaron lives with his wife and two daughters in Castle Rock, Colorado.

Explore more at https://nationalparkmysteryseries.com


Online Teaching and Learning

Aaron Johnson is Associate Dean of Educational Technology at Denver Seminary, a graduate school in Littleton, Colorado. As a veteran online educator, Mr. Johnson's goal is to support teachers transitioning to the online classroom and those who want to improve their teaching skills.

His books have become go-to resources for colleges, universities, and K-12 school districts. Their to-the-point style and practical ideas make them easy to read and immediately applicable. Readers describe the series as "useful," "helpful," "applicable," "reassuring," and "accessible."

His background includes work as a teacher, instructional designer, and faculty developer. During the initial days of COVID, Mr. Johnson was a sought-after aid to institutions that needed help transitioning their faculty to online delivery.

You can learn more at https://excellentonlineteaching.com

Reviews

[Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indiana Jones Style But for Children

It's actually more of a cross between Indiana Jones and National Treasure. It is really well done, and has a wide appeal, even though it's geared toward children. This is a great series!

[Amanda Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was able to read the Advance Reader Copy of this book!

My 11 year old daughter and I are enjoying this series so much! She started reading them and said, “Mom you have to read these books”! I am hooked myself! The suspense involved, educational material woven throughout, and the comedy in each book has left me turning each page of the book for more!

We are also a homeschool family so it’s an added bonus to read these books and adventure on similar trips the characters take in these books!

[Leah Fehr · Rating 4 out of 5]

My boys and I enjoyed this book, with its mystery and adventure, as well as its detailed look inside the Grand Canyon. Of course it’s unbelievable that these three kids are taking on a unknown syndicate controlled by The Director and an untold number of mercenaries, racing to figure out the clues first and uncover a hidden treasure, but it’s super fun and perfect for middle grade readers.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great tween book — I highly recommend this series!!

[Margot MacKay]

This is a DNF -- had been reading it with my son for bedtime after he received it as a gift, and we just couldn't get hooked. The story lagged and the characters felt flat. I wonder if that's because we jumped into the series on book three?

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

The kids continue to enjoy these!

[kc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific installment to the series. Adventure, mystery and history all rolled in to one.

[Lindsey Gandhi]

Ok, this series is kind of addicting. Lol It's a really cute idea and I can't wait to see what these kids discover next.

[Michelle Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really appreciated the mystery and the descriptive adventures in a NP I haven't been to yet. I liked that there were some good life lessons that the kids went through regarding expressing their feelings and being honest as well. The illustrations brought a lot of the places visited to life.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book in an adventure series by Aaron Johnson. Readers will sympathize with Jake's struggles, from solving a mystery left by his grandfather to dealing with jealousy among friends and to difficult physical/hiking challenges. They will be delighted with the beautiful descriptions of the unique and historically interesting locations in the Grand Canyon.
Most of all this is good storytelling! My favorite theme is that growing up involves learning to recognize our own weaknesses and learning who we can trust in tough situations. It is a lesson that we learn and relearn throughout life.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes National Parks, hiking, history-mystery books; You will enjoy it if you are a middle grade reader, parent, teacher, or grandparent. Libraries and schools should add this book and series to their collection. All readers will appreciate that the focus is on good storytelling rather than social influencing - Thank you, Aaron Johnson!
If you haven't read the first two books, start with them first.

[Cindy Cooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Johnson does it again! He is fast becoming one of my favorite authors,

not in the least because of the fascinating post notes he leaves in the back of his books. I also excited to introduce these books to my grandkids. After reading the first one, I quickly recognized the quality of the books, and I could tell the grand boys would love them. Not sure I could turn my tweens lose in the wilderness like the families in the books do, but the adventures these kids get into surely sparks the imaginations of my grands. The interactive maps and drawings in the kindle version make the story come even more alive. Thank you, Mr. Johnson, for wonderfully goodreads for sharing with my family of booklovers! Looking forward to the next one!

[Delene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aaron Johnson does it again! I am reading this middle grade series with my granddaughter and I am having so much fun! I can wait to hear what she thinks about the twists and turns this tale takes in the Grand Canyon. This is a book for all ages - including Grandma age! I am already looking forward to book 4!

[Christopher Scoles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great entry, my daughter and I love these books. She wants to buy the next one already!

[Krystal Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was recommended this book series by an independent bookstore in Estes Park, Colorado. It's very cool that the series starts in our state, with the Great Sand Dunes and Rocky Mountain National Parks.

I read this with my 6yo and 10yo. We had to start with book 3 because books 1 and 2 were already checked out at our library (which I always see as a good problem to have). And while we plan to backtrack, I don't feel like we were lost in any way while reading about the Grand Canyon adventure.

Jake, Wes and Amber have great candor with each other and are very adventurous for 12 year olds :) And I liked how the parents are mentioned from time to time in the book. It makes it seem more realistic than some other middle grade books where the kids are tasked with saving the world all on their own 😂

We loved the clues throughout the book, as well as the explanation about things kids might not know about, but are curious to learn (like how a belay works when rock climbing, etc). My kids were eager to propose theories of how the adventure will continue in Zion National Park.

The back of the book is packed with notes from the author, history of the parks, survival tips, etc. It's really a nice addition to the story and gives you a chance to dive deeper.

Looking forward to Zion National Park next!

[Big Game James · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Adventure In Grand Canyon National Park is Aaron Johnson's third book in the National Park Mystery series, and it's a goodie. This story continues the great adventure that young teens Jake, Amber, and Wes have been on as their families journey together through various National Parks. This episode features the Grand Canyon, and the descriptions of the different places and trails make you want to hike it for yourself.

Add in the ongoing mystery, secretive clues, the elusive "ancient" treasure map, a shadowy organization working to steal it, and a remarkable character named Agatha Albright, aka Agate, and you end up with a fantastic story. I love how Mr. Johnson incorporates outdoor survival skills into the story, similar to Bear Grylls' Beck Granger series. As a recreational hiker who loves the Outdoor Nation, I appreciate that.

And don't think you have to be a kid to enjoy this book. I'm an old-timer now. My first exposure to the Southwest mystery and adventure fiction genre was through a book called The Haunted Mesa by Louie L'Amour, and it continued with the Tony Hillerman books. Plus, I've been to a few places, hiked a few trails, and coincidentally, almost slid off the edge of the Grand Canyon. So, I know a good story and an authentic grasp of the outdoors when I see it. Young or old, Adventure in Grand Canyon National Park is a great and enjoyable story.

[Marlea · Rating 4 out of 5]

During the rocks unit, my fourth grade class was studying the Grand Canyon. I grabbed this book because they love being read to and love a good mystery. It was really fun to listen to them oohh and ahhh as they heard the names of places we'd studied or vocabulary words we had learned.

We all thought the story was fun and enjoyed the characters. We didn't read the first two books but I thought the author did a good job recapping so we could still understand this particular installment. There were some references to other parks that we didn't understand, but I don't think it affected the overall story.

I only wish there was more of an independent story that ran through this book. It is really just like a long chapter in the scope of the series. It didn't really have a beginning or an end. I guess, ultimately, this one involved collecting the pieces of the cube. I just wish they had learned a little something along the cube, but they really didn't. They found the cube pieces but still have no idea what it means. I think it would have even been ok if the assembled cube map pointed the crew in the direction of their next stop, just a little something to make it feel like your journey though the book had a destination.

Overall though, it was very cute and if we had more time in the school year, I'd pick up another to read with them.

[Geoff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. Seems a little weird the "villains" would just be hanging around, but OK. Am "agent" steals the kids' stuff but then stays in camp with them? Same for the older folks?

Wes is sort of annoying - he's given random remarks and asides that are excessive and would make him a social pariah.

The plot, while as straightforward as they come, was needlessly convoluted and difficult to follow. I think that overall, Johnson is writing better with each book, but it's still not great writing.

Honestly, what bothered me the most in this one is that near the end, the injured agent is sitting with Jake. He lets his guard down a bit, telling Jake how he used to be like him - someone who fought against the Director - but resistance to it is pointless and he's better off siding with the bad guys. Do your really mean to tell me in such a moment Jake would not pump the agent, who is willingly opening up to Jake, for information and particulars about who the Director is? About what this entire quest is about? I can suspend disbelief about all sorts of things, but I can't suspend disbelief that a tween on a mysterious scavenger hunt would not pepper a willing subject with questions to learn everything possible about the situation. The only reason Jake doesn't do so is because it would ruin reveals in forthcoming books.

Johnson needs to tighten up his plotting.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What could be more fun for three adventurous middle school kids than trekking down into Grand Canyon, one of the natural wonders of the world? The tough descent through the intense heat and dryness of the magnificent desert canyon brings surprises, wonder and perils as they make their way to the Colorado River and the unlikely setting of Phantom Ranch. Through their days in the canyon and the tough ascent they encounter risky situations that test their teamwork, preparedness, physical stamina and resolve. This is a "can't put it down" book.

I've organized and led hikes into 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.

Central to the National Park Mystery Series is a challenge for the young people to solve a mystery of historical interest and importance by finding clues hidden within the parks. This is the third of what will be ten books in the series. Although Aaron Johnson takes care to provide enough background to lead the reader directly into this book, I'd recommend reading the others first.

[Prince William Public Libraries · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quickly following the excitement at the Great Sand Dunes, the group follows the clues to the Grand Canyon! While continuing to follow the clues left by Jake’s grandfather, they stumble upon new friends, scary situations, cliff climbing, and Native American influences. The others looking for the treasure have stepped up their determination to get the ultimate prize, making things more perilous for our trio. Can they find the clues and the solution before the bad guys?

Again, this was fantastic! I could not put this down. OMG! Rock climbing! Diving into raging rivers! Danger around every corner! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time!

There was some friction between the characters on this trip, but appreciation of everyone’s strengths and weaknesses helped them along. I liked delving into the history of the treasure, too. I’m so excited that these just keep getting better. I still can’t wait until the next installment.

- Review by Rebecca K., Prince William Public Libraries Staff

Click here to find the book at Prince William Public Libraries.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started this series in the third book because I wanted a chapter book to read-aloud about the Grand Canyon while we road-tripped to the Grand Canyon. I appreciated that the author recapped books one and two at the start - it definitely made jumping into book three easier. My newly seven year old loved this book! We finished it last night, and I told him the next book is about Zion, another National Park that we just visited. He said he wished we already owned it because he can't wait to hear that one! It doesn't look like it is published yet though, so I guess we will need to wait. I'm looking forward to reading books one and two and the next seven books and will be recommending this series to others.

[Lexi Norvell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, I loved this book and continue to be completely engulfed by this series. Book three revealed many answers, while continuing to leave the reader guessing with new questions.
Aaron Johnson continuously sets a great scene, and literally paints a picture in your mind. If you read the author’s notes at the end, you’ll learn that he has actually visited these places. He is fantastic at describing the landscape, and doing historic research so that the reader gets to really learn about these National parks.
I was a little frustrated during the middle of the book because things seemed to not be going so well for the main characters, and I’m clearly rooting for them. Everything ended up working out because these kids are very clever. I cannot wait to read book four!

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 takes Jake, Wes, and Amber to Grand Canyon national Park in their quest to find the treasure Jake's grandfather had sent them out on. Of course, he had never seen the treasure either, he was just keeping it safe. Jake's grandfather had loved the outdoors and hiking and taught his son to like it too. So, prior to his death, he had set up a two month itinerary for his sons' families and a family friend to visit ten national parks together. As they went, Gramps had sent several cards sent to Jake to motivate him keep looking for the treasure. It was working.
It was here that the kids run into the FBI and a missing girl. Is this related to the case they are working on?
Now I wait impatiently on next seven books.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased all five books that have been published so far directly from the author’s website. I love the National Park settings and the mysteries that include real locations and the history of the parks and area. These are wonderful wholesome (anyone who says otherwise has clearly not read the books) stories that also offer up many real life lessons and challenges that children face today. The kids are not perfect and face many personal challenges that they have to work through just like in real life. But it teaches kids how to be kind and how to help one another all while giving an entertaining and exciting story. The back story set in the 1800’s is alto intriguing and entertaining. I highly recommend this series for any age reader. I can’t wait for books 6-10!

[Beverly Laude · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another enjoyable book in this series. Jake, Wes and Amber continue their search to solve Jake's Grandpa's scavenger hunt while visiting the Grand Canyon. The author does a great job in his descriptions of the Park, complete with maps and websites in the afterword for readers that want to know more about areas mentioned in the book.

If you enjoyed books like Nancy drew and the Hardy Boys, you will enjoy this series. Younger readers will learn a lot from this book, such as how to start a campfire and some of the history of the area. I only wish there had been a series like this when I was at the age of the target audience! Great fun, well-written and engaging characters make this a 5 star read. Can't wait to see what happens in the next installment!

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aaron Johnson has once again created a captivating mystery for young and old. Unlike other children's mystery stories that follow a recipe, each of his books has had a unique storyline, so you never quite know what to expect. My children and I both loved learning new historical facts about the Grand Canyon and look forward to visiting again, so we can check out some of the places that were mentioned. We can't wait for the next book!

Vocabulary is varied but not too advanced for children to understand (which I appreciate as a homeschool mom), and this book works well as a free read or as a family readaloud.

*We received an advanced reader copy, but it did not influence this review.

[Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

The next in the series that we’ve been reading aloud with our older children. This one seemed to have a lot more suspense than the first two, so no one wanted to stop reading. As in the other books, there were some mild crude phrases, but overall the dialog was good. The author included a minor story line about one of the main characters feeling jealous about another character, and then talking those feelings out. It didn’t quite seem to fit in the narrative, almost like it was shoehorned in to add a little drama. But overall, I’d recommend this series for pre-teen and teen readers or family read alouds.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have completed the first three books in this series now. I think that my nine and 11 year-old grandkids would like these. The main characters are early teens, and in some ways they act younger, but in other ways, they are given privileges of older teens. In order to enjoy these books, you have to suspend certain expectations. For example, the bad guys are not very smart. The kids have interactions with them also, where the enemy just lets them go. I don’t feel like that is very realistic. In spite of that, I do think that the books are enjoyable and might appeal to many kids. I also like that they are clean and encourage an appreciation for nature and our national parks.

[Miss Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

The mystery continues as the kids explore the Grand Canyon and fend off fake FBI agents, dastardly old hikers, and deal with some interpersonal drama. (I found the last to be one of the least smooth elements so far. It was much too blatant and forced. Kids of course feel jealousy and inadequacy when others are better, faster, more accomplished and skilled. But they rarely talk it out in such a manner. Also, does Amber seriously have NO flaws? Nothing she does not excel at? Personal growth she needs to undergo???)

I continue to appreciate all the details and locations within the park that are included in the story.

[Aaron Gildea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 is by far the greatest page turner of the three that have been published. The magnitude of the Grand Canyon and its hidden treasures really contribute to the development of the plot. It was need to dive a bit deeper into the character development. Additionally, the included illustrations, both landscape sketches and maps, peaked my curiosity to the point that I found myself seeking outside sources to know more about them. I love books that generate a curiosity in the reader to seek more than what the book has to offer! Can’t wait for the next installment of this adventure!

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really appreciate this series, it gives some fun information on history, orienteering, outdoorsman stuff, geology, and geography. I really enjoy and appreciate those aspects of this series. However, I wouldn’t consider this to be the best writing necessarily. The story is enjoyable, my kids like it, this installment was probably their least favorite of the three we’ve read so far, BUT they’re very excited for the next none the less. Definitely has been a fun read aloud to go with our national parks unit!