Mysteries in Our National Parks

14 primary works

Wolf Stalker

by Gloria Skurzynski and Alane Ferguson

Published 1 April 1998

In this fast-paced adventure, the Landons trail a wounded wolf in Yellowstone National Park. The park is abuzz with rumors of a wolf attack. Meanwhile, a killer stalks the woods. Unaware of the danger, Jack and Ashley are more concerned about rebellious teenage foster child, Troy Haverson. From the opening moments at Old Faithful through 48 action-packed hours, the tension builds: What is lodged in the wolf's radio collar? And what is the meaning of the Native American story of Sin-a-Wavi? A heady mix of suspense, adventure, and moments of tenderness lure readers into this story of kids discovering the natural world. The book's afterword, by Yellowstone's Michael K. Phillips, explores the park's Wolf Restoration Program.

National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.
Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.

Rage of Fire

by Gloria Skurzynski and Alane Ferguson

Published 1 April 1999

Jack, Ashley, and their parents visit Hawaii where they meet a Vietnamese boy who is going to live with his American grandfather whom he has never met, and are pursued by the Goddess Pele.

Cliff-Hanger

by Gloria Skurzynski and Alane Ferguson

Published 1 May 2001

When a cougar attacks a hiker in Mesa Verde National Park, the Landons have another mystery on their hands. Jack and Ashley are used to visiting parks with their wildlife veterinarian mother and photographer father, but this time their hands are full with a foster child called Lucky Deal. As Lucky and Jack become friends, Ashley becomes suspicious: What did Lucky take from the burn site? Who did she call in the night? In a midnight showdown at Spruce Tree House, Jack realizes there's more to fear than a killer cat. Cliff-Hanger weaves Native American folklore, natural science, and geography into a heart-pounding thriller. The afterword by Will Morris, Chief of Interpretation and Visitor Services at Mesa Verde, outlines the dangers of cougar attacks and the need to protect wild animals.

National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.
Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.

Deadly Waters

by Gloria Skurzynski and Alane Ferguson

Published 1 October 1999

While visiting the Everglades National Park with their parents, the Landon children uncover the mystery of dying manatees and learn important lessons about the natural environment.

The Hunted

by Gloria Skurzynski

Published 1 April 2000

The Landon family travels to Glacier National Park to investigate why grizzly bear cubs are disappearing and becomes involved with a ten-year-old Mexican runaway boy.

Ghost Horses

by Gloria Skurzynski

Published 1 January 2002

Life-threatening accidents keep plaguing the Landon family as they investigate the mysterious deaths of white mustangs at Zion National Park in Utah. Even before they get to the park, Jack Landon knows that Ethan Ingawanup spells trouble. Things start to go awry after Ethan and his sister—two Shoshone kids—are placed in the Landons' care. The questions begin to mount after Ethan teaches Jack and Ashley the ancient Ghost Dance: Are all the hair-raising events just coincidental? Or is there some strange magic in the dance ritual? The answers await in the raging waters of a slick-rock canyon called The Narrows. The afterword by Lyman Hafen of the Zion Natural History Association discusses white mustangs and public lands in Utah.

Mysteries in Our National Parks: Over the Edge

by Gloria Skurzynski and Alane Ferguson

Published 1 March 2002

While she studies condors in the Grand Canyon a scientist's life is threatened, and the strange, hostile, teenage computer whiz in her family's foster care might be involved.

Over the Edge

by Gloria Skurzynski

Published 1 March 2002

Valley of Death

by Gloria Skurzynski

Published 1 May 2002

Mysteries in Our National Parks: Valley of Death

by Gloria Skurzynski and Alane Ferguson

Published 1 May 2002

The Landon family makes a trip to Death Valley National Park accompanied by a mysterious new foster child, fourteen-year-old Leesa Sherman.

Escape from Fear

by Gloria Skurzynski and Alane Ferguson

Published 1 July 2002

Something in the Virgin Islands National Park is destroying the coral reefs and causing the hawksbill sea turtle to disappear--and the Landons are trying to figure out what. Jack and Ashley soon become involved with the son of a U.S. diplomat who is anxious to save an island woman. What secret do they share? Includes a park map.

Out of the Deep

by Gloria Skurzynski

Published 1 September 2002

Wildlife veterinarian Olivia Landon and her family are in Maine, investigating the mysterious strandings of marine mammals on the rocky beaches of Acadia National Park. With the family is 14-year-old Bindy Callister, a temporary ward who has been bullied by her older brother. Jack, Ashley, and Bindy come upon a baby humpback whale stranded in a rocky tidal pool and barely alive. During the complex rescue operation that follows, no one notices when Bindy wanders off. By the time Jack and Ashley find her, Bindy is acting very strange. She knows who’s causing the strandings but is afraid to tell. Jack and Ashley must get her to talk before more lives are endangered!

Running Scared

by Gloria Skurzynski

Published 1 November 2002

Jack and Ashley’s search for eight-year-old Sammy has left them hopelessly lost in a twisted maze of tunnels deep inside Carlsbad Caverns. Bats are everywhere, and the echoes of their screeching cries sends a chill through the trio. The only light is the candle in their lantern. What will happen when it burns out, leaving them in total darkness?

Buried Alive

by Gloria Skurzynski and Alane Ferguson

Published 1 February 2003

The Landons are in Alaska's Denali National Park and are joined by 13-year-old Nicky Milano. Jack, Ashley, and Nicky accept a dogsled ride from a man in a Park Service uniform. Deep in the frozen wilderness, the kids are stranded and are caught in an avalanche. Includes a park map.