The Canyon's Edge

By: Dusti Bowling

Narrated by: Casey Holloway

Hatchet meets Long Way Down in this heartfelt and gripping novel in verse about a young girl's struggle for survival after a climbing trip with her father goes terribly wrong.

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.

Critic reviews

* "...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

"...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

Tugged At My Heart

Dusti Bowling has written yet another great book. This fictional story was extremely realistic and tugged at my heart. It’s a great book for middle school students up throughout adulthood but not so much for younger listeners since it goes into such detail about the physical struggles inside the canyon.

Overall, this book was very well written and the narrator portrayed the characters extremely accurate. Dusti Bowling continues to share stories that keep you engaged throughout the entire read.

the story was wonderful

it was very gory but I enjoyed the story and the self journey. Thank you Dusti Bowling

Amazing Bravery and Strength

The young narrator of this adventure shares every feeling of grief, fear, love and expectation. The story is realistic, heartbreaking and unpredictable. Dusti Bowling is a master at voice, plot and character development. You will be shocked at some of the events in this novel, but it's a great tour de force with a special structure, well-designed by the whole creative team.

Nora’s Struggle to Live

Canyon’s Edge is full of descriptive language and imagery. I love how Nora flashes back to her counselor’s words throughout the story as she her struggle with a different life after tragedy and her plight of survival in the canyon.

Hush’s

Dug she’s d d d d d d d. D d. D d d d d d d d d. Did. D d d. If Shhh hush