Discovery in Great Sand Dunes National Park: A Mystery Adventure (National Park Mystery 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.

These stories are so well written and fascinating that once you start reading you can’t stop till you’re finished. So many things in the story relate to my own experiences and pull me deeper into the story. Can’t wait to get started on the next story.

As soon as I finished reading the first book in the series, my boys were begging me to buy the next one. I'm glad we did!I love the different personalities of the characters. The kids are good kids, but not perfect. How they deal with things when they mess up is very refreshing.The next book is already in our cart. They boys can't wait to start it too.It's been a while since I've found a series with kids that are just overall good kids. The characters are good role models and the stories are fun!

My son loves these! Tricky finding books for him that keep his attention but he's hoping for more to be written!

My 9 year old daughter loves this series! I read her the first book and then she begged for me to buy the second book! I will definitely ask my library to purchase these books! I love that they are wholesome - I don't have to worry about the content. We enjoy reading these together and she has learned a lot about the parks/geography.

Great book for kids and adults. My son is loving this series. I am also enjoying reading along side him.The perfect book for older elementary/middle school kids. The characters are pre-teen age and deal with emotions and problem solving. There’s just enough cliff hangers to keep you on your feet, a number of dad jokes to keep you giggling and plenty of excitement and joy.

Another GREAT book in the series

The author is a new one for me, but I fully intend to buy every book he writes in this series about our national parks. I love the feeling of love I can sense between 'Jax' and his recently deceased grandfather. It is so obvious how the two felt about each h other, and in the prep work Grandpa put into this final gift to his grandson. The national parks are a wonderful setting for the mysterious goings on that the young teens find themselves caught up in. as they explore historical places in the parks.I am thrilled to find books of this quality in this genre. No cursing, no meanness, but a sense of honesty and decency shows itself early on in the character of the three teens as they work together and learn to trust each other's hunches. Each one brings strengths to the friendship that is developing among them. Thank you, sir, for this book series. Your books are a treasure to share with our families, and they are truly goodreads!