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Overview
"Up shot the kayak into the air, only to perform a harrowing back flip. Shoved helmet-first into the center of the spinning cocoon, Peter had never felt a force so determined to pry him from his boat. Hanging upside-down, gripping his paddle shaft with all his might, Peter waited, counted and prayed." Arch rivals and sometimes friends Peter and Jake are delighted to be part of a whitewater-rafting trip. But after a series of disasters leaves the group stranded in the wilderness, it's up to them to confront the dangerous rapids to search for help. This is the first title in the extreme outdoor sports series by Pam Withers.Synopsis
When Jake gets an opportunity be part of the crew for an eight-day whitewater rafting trip along the Cattibone River, he jumps at it. Not even the news that his kayaking rival, Peter, is coming along as a paying customer can dampen his excitement. Riding down the isolated Cattibone River with its dangerous Class IV rapids will be the perfect opportunity to prove to his boss that he's ready to be promoted from company "gofer" to river guide, even though he's only 15 years old.
The rafting adventure starts smoothly, but just three days in, things start to go tragically wrong. One of the guides is badly injured, and when a grizzly bear enters the camp and destroys one of the rafts, the group is in danger of being stranded in the wilderness. It is up to Jake and Peter to pit their kayaking skills against the mighty Cattibone River. Alone, the two boys attempt to kayak over 160 kilometres of whitewater rapids to summon help. Racing against time and wilderness dangers, they must overcome their rivalry and work together. Will they make it in time?
Barbara McKee - KLIATT
Fifteen-year-old Jake Evans, who lives in British Columbia, is a whitewater enthusiast who loves to kayak. He works hard to make money as a Junior Guide and cook for Sam's Adventure Tours. When the tour books a group to go up the Cattibone River with 175 miles of rapids, he wants to go with them on this raft trip that will take eight days. His friend Peter, from whom he has been estranged, and Peter's parents are part of the trip. Jake gets to go as long as he helps out and cooks for the guests. The trip has problems from the get-go and when their guide is seriously injured and needs medical help immediately and another guide is missing, the leader decides to send Peter and Jake out in the kayaks to get over the large falls and get help. Also sent out overland are a group of dentists who are on the tour and are hikers. An exciting read with great characterizations; the whitewater world comes to life vividly. The author, who has worked as a whitewater raft guide, knows her stuff and gets you involved quickly. Reluctant readers as well as adventure lovers will enjoy this book immensely. (Take it to the Extreme series). KLIATT Codes: JS—Recommended for junior and senior high school students. 2003, Whitecap, Walrus, 174p., Ages 12 to 18.
Editorials
KLIATT
Fifteen-year-old Jake Evans, who lives in British Columbia, is a whitewater enthusiast who loves to kayak. He works hard to make money as a Junior Guide and cook for Sam's Adventure Tours. When the tour books a group to go up the Cattibone River with 175 miles of rapids, he wants to go with them on this raft trip that will take eight days. His friend Peter, from whom he has been estranged, and Peter's parents are part of the trip. Jake gets to go as long as he helps out and cooks for the guests. The trip has problems from the get-go and when their guide is seriously injured and needs medical help immediately and another guide is missing, the leader decides to send Peter and Jake out in the kayaks to get over the large falls and get help. Also sent out overland are a group of dentists who are on the tour and are hikers. An exciting read with great characterizations; the whitewater world comes to life vividly. The author, who has worked as a whitewater raft guide, knows her stuff and gets you involved quickly. Reluctant readers as well as adventure lovers will enjoy this book immensely. (Take it to the Extreme series). KLIATT Codes: JS—Recommended for junior and senior high school students. 2003, Whitecap, Walrus, 174p., Ages 12 to 18.—Barbara McKee