River Rampage
Synopsis_________________________________
River Rampage
Author: Max Elliot Anderson
Audience: 8 – 12; especially boys
Justin thought he’d be spending just another boring summer vacation. His friend Zack always did something exciting. Then he made everyone jealous when he came back to school in the fall and told about his adventures.
But, when the phone rang, Justin could hardly believe what he heard. Zack was inviting him and their friend Howie on a river rapids rafting trip.
The boys thought that’d be the most exciting part of their vacation, but were they ever wrong.
After their raft became separated from the main group, the boys were on their own. They beached their rubber raft for the night and that’s when things really began to happen.
Was it possible the old prospector had actually found gold?
And why did a motorcycle gang threaten the old man?
Could the boys get him into town in time to file his claim?
Reviews
Reviewer : Laura at Lighthouse Academy
Sam Cooper and his friends believe the rest of their summer is going to be boring after what they experienced earlier after school let out, but when Tony’s Uncle calls and invites Tony and his two best friends (Sam and Tyler) on a float trip down the river on rafts, Sam and Tyler both jump at the chance. Sam’s parents decide it won’t be too big of a risk, especially when they are assured that the raft the boys ride on will be the supply raft and it will be securely tethered to another one, piloted by Tony’s uncle—and experienced river rapids guide.
But that isn’t the way it pans out. The raft becomes unattached the second day on the float trip when they hit class three rapids, and the supply raft springs several leaks, rendering it worthless. Not only that, but everyone goes on, leaving the three boys behind. They set up camp, but then decide to go looking for help when a hooved animal with a bell wanders by, since that means that civilization must be near.
Instead, Sam and his friends find an old prospector whose discovered gold. And claim jumpers are hot on his tail. Sam and his friends try to devise a plan to get the old prospector and themselves to safety before the claim jumpers come in with guns blazing—and hopefully find their river party at the same time.
Readers of any of Max Elliot Anderson’s books know that the books are guaranteed to be exciting, suspenseful, and geared toward boys. RIVER RAMPAGE isn’t any different. It is the third book in the A Sam Cooper Adventure series. RIVER RAMPAGE easily stands alone, but readers will want to read the first two books, Lost Island Smugglers and Captain Jack’s Treasure to be brought up to date on Sam’s summer adventures so far.
Recommended for young adults, tweeners, and especially reluctant readers as that is who Max targets. My son has been a fan of Max Elliot Anderson's books since he was eight and a reluctant reader. My son is now twenty, reads a lot, and he still loves Max's books.
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In this book we meet Tony’s uncle. Tony is one of Sam’s best friends. Tony’s uncle is a white water river guide. He invites Tony’s friends to go rafting with him.He talks to their parents, assuring them he will keep the boys safe. Their raft will be tied to his. This sounds safe enough so they consent. The second day out on the river things go horribly wrong. The rope breaks tethering them to the guide raft. They get left behind.They make it to land and find an old miner. The old miner has some claim jumpers trying to take his claim from him. The boys jump in to try to help him. Things go from bad to worse. Read the book to find out if they make their way out. Find out what true courage is and how prayer can help in any situation. Once again this was a book that I couldn’t put down. Max Anderson’s writing style is simple enough for reluctant readers and has all of the elements of mystery and adventure that will grab them and hold them until the end of the book.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series This Property is Condemned. It is due out some time next year.
Go to Max's website and check out everything he has to offer. Just because it says Books and Boys it doesn't mean it is not for girls. My female students love these books as much as the boys. Max Anderson was a reluctant reader and he knows what will hook them. So what are you waiting for? Check the website and his books out.- Sandra Stiles
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Note, this book now published by Elk Lake Publishing
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