Path of the Thunderbird: A Grand Canyon Adventure

by Sara Miller, Pat Toole

Path of the Thunderbird is a middle grade adventure novel. Nate, Kira, Hope, and Oz have been planning their Grand Canyon adventure for months. Armed with maps, camping gear, and lots of food and water, the twelve-year olds are certain nothing can go wrong. But when they receive a mysterious letter, they suddenly find themselves on a wild treasure hunt through the Grand Canyon. As they hike from clue to clue, the adventurers must face stormy weather, wild animals, and dangerous terrain in their quest to make the discovery of a lifetime. From one rim to the other, they learn about the resilience of nature, the importance of friends and family, and the wonders waiting to be discovered within the Grand Canyon.

Genres: Middle Grade

185 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2017

Reviews

[Laura Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would you be willing to trek through the Grand Canyon—from rim to rim—on a treasure hunt? For twelve-year-old Nate, his three friends, and his grandmother, a string of enticing clues and a puzzle begging to be solved are all they need to answer with a resounding yes!

But it isn’t going to be an easy journey for the group. Like a good hiking trail, PATH OF THE THUNDERBIRD is filled with twists and turns. Mysteries lurk around every curve.

The book’s charming illustrations blend with graceful prose and a fast-paced plot line to create an adventure roller coaster that brings the Canyon’s intriguing legends alive. The unexpected adds spice and suspense to the story…from snakes and bobcats, to treacherous storms.

And let’s not forget the book’s sixth character—the Grand Canyon, itself. Authors Sara Miller and Pat Toole craft a vibrant, breathing sense of place that invites you to experience the Canyon right along with the group. As you read, you’ll feel as if you’re tracing the footsteps of Nate and his crew on winding footpaths, through deep gorges, and across meandering streams and creeks. You may even be inspired to write your own legend, just as Nate does.

An all-around great book with lovable characters who learn the true meaning of friendship and encounter just enough unexpected developments to keep you enthralled to the very satisfying ending. Highly recommended.

[Christie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My nine-year old enjoyed this story because, having just visited the Grand Canyon, he recognized a lot of the locations they talk about. He's now interested in going on an extended multi-day hike at the bottom of the canyon. Since it introduces new vocab words, different species, and the history of the area, this book gets a two thumbs up from this mom. My hope is that they'll have tales like these at every national park so we can take away more than our memories and photos, we'll be able to solidify the experience with some good fiction, too.

[Candance Doerr-Stevens · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started reading this book with my 10 yr old son E, while he and I were out west hiking in the Grand Canyon and other national parks on a school trip. The book was enjoyable while out west. It was less so once we were back at home in the daily grind of school and work. I’d recommend reading the book while on vacation at or near the Grand Canyon. There are several references to the visitor sites and trails, adding to the travel experience.

[Kelly Area · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an adventure! This is a great story about 12 year old friends following clues that Nate's Gramps leaves them. It will keep your reader engaged and wanting to follow the clues to solve the mystery. I can't wait to use this as a read aloud for my 3rd graders!

[Merry · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 10-year-old son and I read this together, and I highly recommend it as a great read-with-your-kids book. It has engaging, funny, true-to-life characters, an excellent scavenger hunt, and I learned a lot about the Grand Canyon and its inhabitants. I loved it! :)

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Manny really liked this, so while it was a 3 for me, he’s the more important audience. If you and your kids are heading to Grand Canyon, it’s worth a read. It was nice reading about someplace we’d been fairly recently. (Although I will never volunteer to do rim to rim on foot.)

[Ella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book about a month ago and I really enjoyed it. At some points the book moved a little slow but it always managed to grab me and pull me in eventually. I would strongly suggest this book to anyone who is curious about the Grand Canyon, loves an adventure, and is always in for a good mystery.