Out of the Deep: A Mystery in Acadia National Park

We always know that when we give books by Skurzynski & Ferguson, the young readers will soon be engrossed in the interesting characters and their adventures. Just gave three of OUT OF THE DEEP to 3 different age youngsters. All a hit!

Collaboratively written by Gloria Skurzynski and Alane Ferguson, Out Of The Deep is an exciting mystery novel for young adults which is set in the beautiful Acadia National Park. A baby whale among other marine mammals has beached upon the park shores, and it's up to the intrepid Landon kids to figure out why. Out Of The Deep is a genuinely captivating story that blends adventure with respect for nature and wildlife. Also very highly recommended is another Gloria Skurzynski and Alane Ferguson title in the eleven volume "Mysteries In Our National Parks" series from National Geographic Society, Running Scared (0792282329).

Jack and Ashley Landon love to travel with their mother, a wildlife veterinarian, who is often called to solve animal mysteries, and their father, who hopes to have a career as a photographer. This time they are on their way to Acadia National Park in Maine to investigate why the marine animals are beaching. But Jack and Ashley have a problem. Bindy Callister, the 14- year-old temporary foster child who has just come to live with the Landon family. Bindy is a liar, or at least Jack thinks so. She claims to know the reason for the animal behavior, and the kids find her near a beached baby whale. Bindy slips away during the rescue operation, determined to prove she know why this is happening, and Jack and Ashley get themselves in deeper than they planned for.The mystery is fascinating reading and an educational experience all rolled into one. I think it's the best one yet in this series for upper elementary or older readers. The mother/daughter author team never fail to teach about science, geography, and human behavior.