July 15, 2016
Buck Bray is about to become the star of his own new nature series, with the first episode set in Denali National Park in Alaska.His father is in charge, Shoop is the cameraman, and Shoop's adopted Asian daughter, Toni, is to be the "gofer." Buck, an intrepid white 11-year-old, has a gift for getting into trying situations, like ending up (with Toni) too close to a grizzly bear. Through their own astute powers of observation and innate curiosity, Toni and Buck discover--then run afoul of--a grizzly-cub kidnapping trio. Why the criminals choose to commit the crime in the well-patrolled national park instead of almost anywhere else or even what their motivation for wanting the cubs might be are just two of the many unconvincing premises upon which the narrative dangerously teeters. Although plenty of interesting animal information is included, it doesn't fully make up for clunky exposition and a predictable if improbable plot. Buck and Toni are likable enough, and their enthusiasm for the park is amply displayed. Along with the details of film production that are included and an exciting (if not especially plausible) climax, these qualities may be enough to sustain reader interest. An average mystery with the added spice of danger and an engaging depiction of a distinctive and wondrous place. (Mystery. 8-12)
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September 1, 2016
Gr 3-5-Buck Bray and his father are headed off to Denali National Park in Alaska to film the first episode in a new reality show about a kid exploring the wilderness. While surveying the park, Buck and Toni, the cameraman's daughter, discover that animals are going missing. What follows is an exciting mystery with an outdoorsy twist. The Alaskan setting is well researched and described, with facts about the wildlife integrated into the text as lines from the reality television show. Many readers looking for something reminiscent of Will Hobbs's books will find this enjoyable, though it lacks some of the heart of Hobbs's tales. VERDICT This beginning of a new series should be a solid purchase for most medium-size or larger school or public libraries.-Elizabeth Nicolai, Anchorage Public Library, AK
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