River (Hobbs)

Fifteen-year-old Jessie is angry with her father for sending her on an outdoor survival program for troubled teens. Confused about her life back home and unsure of herself, she is drawn to the powerful personality of a teammate, the charismatic Troy. At their first opportunity to rebel, she and her six companions "borrow" their instructor's gear and attempt the dangerous Colorado River through the Grand Canyon on their own. With no maps or guides, they face roaring rapids, drenching rain, injury, and conflict among themselves. The further they travel, the more they realize that the whitewater may be the least of their problems. There's more to Troy, their self-imposed leader, than any of them could have predicted. Chosen by the American Library Association as one of the one hundred Best of the Best Young Adult Books of the past 25 years, Downriver will captivate young readers with its heady dose of excitement, entertainment, and suspense.

Jessie and the gang are reunited for a second heart-pounding whitewater ride through the Grand Canyon. The teens are thrilled to have another go at the Colorado together-especially Jessie, who will get to pilot a raft this time. But when they find out that the infamous ringleader Troy is behind the reunion trip, tempers flare. Troy says he wants the chance to redeem himself, but Jessie suspects his motives. Nonetheless, and even as the water rises to record levels, the river calls Jessie and the others to embark on another life-or-death adventure. Between the thundering water and the intense emotions it unleashes, the river itself will provide the ultimate test. Downriver won praise from readers across the country as well as many awards. With River Thunder, Hobbs draws from his own whitewater experience to craft another riveting wilderness adventure full of lifelike detail. With Christina Moore's dramatic narration, you will hear the river thunder and shiver with excitement right along with Jessie and her friends.