The Canyon's Edge

MASL Book Trailer Winner

About the Author

DUSTI BOWLING grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona, where, as her family will tell you, she always had her nose in a book. She released her first middle grade novel in 2017 and hasn't stopped writing since.

 

Dusti's books have won the Reading the West Award, the Sakura Medal, a Golden Kite Honor, the William Allen White Children's Book Award, and have been nominated for over thirty state awards. Her books are Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selections and have been named best books of the year by the Chicago Public Library, Kirkus, Bank Street College of Education, A Mighty Girl, Shelf Awareness, and many more.

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Dusti currently lives in Eagar, Arizona with her husband, three daughters, several tarantulas, some guinea pigs, a gopher snake named Burrito, and a cockatiel named Gandalf the Grey.


About the Book

One year after a random shooting changed their family forever, Nora and her father are exploring a slot canyon deep in the Arizona desert, hoping it will help them find peace. Nora longs for things to go back to normal, like they were when her mother was still alive, while her father keeps them isolated in fear of other people. But when they reach the bottom of the canyon, the unthinkable happens: A flash flood rips across their path, sweeping away Nora's father and all of their supplies.

Suddenly, Nora finds herself lost and alone in the desert, facing dehydration, venomous scorpions, deadly snakes, and, worst of all, the Beast who has terrorized her dreams for the past year. If Nora is going to save herself and her father, she must conquer her fears, defeat the Beast, and find the courage to live her new life.


Praise for The Canyon's Edge:

A 2020 Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Kids Book


* "...stunning.... an edge-of-your-seat read."―Kirkus Reviews, starred review


* "...this emotionally resonant survival tale is a must-have."―School Library Journal, starred review


* "....powerful..a triumphant story of healing and bravery."―Booklist, starred review


* “A fast-paced, gripping novel…the high level of tension and the emotional pull of Bowling’s writing make this a praiseworthy, adventure-filled story.”―Publishers Weekly, starred review


"...beautifully written. [Dusti] Bowling is a master storyteller."―Midwest Book Review


"A powerful, heart-thumping story about survival and the inner strength it takes to reclaim life after trauma. Nora shows us that it's possible to emerge stronger than we've ever been before."―Ann Braden, award-winning author of The Benefits of Being an Octopus


"You won't be able to stop turning pages of this gripping, unforgettable novel with emotional depth and resonance as you cheer for Nora to conquer her inner and outer beasts."―Donna Gephart, award-winning author of Lily and Dunkin, The Paris Project, and Abby, Tried and True


"A haunting, heart-pounding story of survival, brilliantly told in verse. The Canyon's Edgewill inspire, uplift and resonate. I loved it!"―Barbara Dee, author of Maybe He Just Likes You and My Life in the Fish Tank


"A gutsy, page-turning tale of courage, survival, and healing, told in dynamic verse. The Canyon's Edge is powerful, unflinching, and full of heart."―Chris Baron, author of All of Me


"Thrilling."―BookPage


Resources/Teaching Ideas

Slot Canyons:

Survival:

Desert Ecosystem/Biome:

Poetry:

Trauma:

Social Media