The Canyon's Edge
Book description
One year since she lost her mother to a random shooting, Nora and her father are exploring a slot canyon deep in the Arizona desert. They like to stay far away from other people now, or at least Nora's father does. Nora has been working with a therapist to try…
Why read it?
5 authors picked The Canyon's Edge as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
Dusti Bowling’s ability to keep you on the edge is incredible.
Nora lost her mom via a random shooting, and now she is trapped in a desert canyon where a flash flood swept her dad away. The stakes are so high. And yet: Nora’s will to survive, her love for Dad, and her inner strength, pull her beautifully through.
From Sally's list on children’s novels depicting real adversity—and hope.
In addition to the love of deserts I mention in my next recommendation, I’ve enjoyed rock climbing and a bit of slot-canyon hiking, which is what initially drew me to this book set in Arizona's Sonoran Desert. The thrilling survival story kept me turning the pages. Plus much of this book is written in verse, which makes it a quick, intense read. It does include references to Nora’s loss of a loved one in a mass shooting, so it may not be appropriate for all readers. But those who’ve lost someone suddenly (like me) will fully relate to Nora’s grief…
From Joni's list on girls on epic outdoor adventures.
The Canyon’s Edge is a riveting story of a young girl exploring a canyon with her father and finding herself on a desperate survival mission. The author does a remarkable job of blending prose and verse, and you will constantly hold your breath in anticipation of what’s around the corner.
From Anne's list on brave girls.
I am recommending this survival story because it cuts to the heart of the emotions involved with losing a parent. Nora and her dad explore a canyon and become separated by a flood. Nora must learn to survive alone as she searches for her dad in the desert landscape fraught with life-threatening dangers. A fast-paced page-turner.
From Darlene's list on in verse with emotional themes.
There are a million reasons to love this book! First, it speaks to the consequences of the gun violence epidemic in the United States; the book is about a tween who lost her mother one year ago in a random shooting. Nora and her father plan a hike in an Arizona valley on the anniversary of their loss, but a flash flood washes away Nora’s father and their gear, leaving her stranded. What follows is an extraordinary story that explores anxiety, PTSD, grief, and resilience. I especially love that this story is written in verse—the sparse writing heightens the emotional…
From Jessica's list on on grief and healing that are actually fun to read.
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