Grizzly Peak

"Jonathan London’s Grizzly Peak is the third novel in the gripping Aaron’s Wilderness adventure series. . . The book is presented as budding author Aaron’s journal turned story, and he’s a pro at chapter-ending cliffhangers and convincing dialogue. Black-and-white illustrations by the author’s son, Sean London, are a great addition, especially the eagle’s-eye view of the kayak. Best of all, it’s touching to see Aaron and his dad repair their relationship . . . This is a survival tale in the vein of Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet, but also a story of family bonds enduring." --Foreword Reviews
"An adventure trip in British Columbia's Cariboo Mountains may be the best chance for a father and son to reconnect. . . When a life-threatening accident incapacitates his father, Aaron is forced to find the very qualities that his father was demanding all along. The richly realized setting makes the familiar story of a headstrong white teen squaring off against his father fresh. Aaron moves from arrogance to humility and a calm assurance. But his father also grows, realizing Aaron is yearning for the same respect and freedom that he craved from his own father. Pencil illustrations accompany the text. Nail-biting journey with a heart." --Kirkus Reviews
"Brief on character development but brisk on pacing and action, this is an adventure/survival novel set in the Cariboo Mountains in Central British Columbia. Aaron and his dad set off for two weeks of canoeing through a series of lakes after Aaron’s expulsion from school. Aaron has had previous wilderness experiences, and while he doesn’t relish the time spent entirely alone with his father, he is excited for the outdoor adventure aspect of the trip. The expedition is fraught with typical, but exciting, perils of nature, from white-water rapids to grizzly bears. Along the way, father and son attempt to reconcile, but the path is not smooth. Both characters must rely on each other, and the climax of the story is intense and dramatic. This is a fast-paced novel that is not overwhelming in terms of length or depth and will be enjoyed by fans of Gary Paulsen and Will Hobbs. Knowledge of the previous titles in the series might be helpful in relation to some secondary characters mentioned but is not a prerequisite for this episode. VERDICT A thrilling wilderness quest with typical father/son interactions that don’t get in the way of the dangers of the journey. More than one reader will be looking at the map and trying to convince a grown-up to take them to Bowron Lake Provincial Park." –John Scott, Friends School of Baltimore, School Library Journal