Jack's mother is investigating a cougar attack at Mesa Verde, but he cannot explore due to her foster child.

Despite the dangers of a thunderstorm, Axel and his father make a difficult climb to rescue Axel's stranded dog.

From climbing and abseiling to canoeing and a Crazy Bucket Race, Tim's adventure holiday promises to be full of action. There's just one problem: he is hopeless at sports of any kind. Can Tim survive the horrors of a week absolutely packed with activity? Can his team - the Tigers - be the overall champions? There are some surprises in store for everyone!

Journey upwards with Cliffhanger, a dizzyingly beautiful presentation of the people and places that make up the world of climbing. Climbing has recently exploded as a global phenomenon, thanks to a plethora of dedicated gyms springing up and media coverage that has had a wide reach. Using breathtaking imagery and in-depth stories, Cliffhanger gives you a complete look at the world of this outdoor pursuit--both as a sport and a lifestyle--by highlighting the people, places, history, and culture that make the activity so fascinating. Whether you've been doing it for a long time or have never climbed in your life, this book will make your palms sweat and your heart race.

When the boys visit the Himalayas for some mountaineering and adventure they are unaware that a murderer has set an ambush and that their lives are in danger.

“BEST OF 2019” —SUSPENSE MAGAZINE When a hang-gliding stranger is found fatally injured in the cliffs above Monterey Bay, the investigation into his death becomes a cluttered mess. Professional organizer Maggie McDonald must sort the clues to catch a coastal killer before her family becomes a target . . . Maggie has her work cut out for her helping Renée Alvarez organize her property management office. Though the condominium complex boasts a prime location on the shores of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, aging buildings and the high-maintenance tenants have Renée run ragged. But Maggie’s efforts are complicated when her sons attempt to rescue a badly injured man who crashed his ultra-light on the coastal cliffs. Despite their efforts to save him, the man dies. Maggie's family members become the prime suspects in a murder investigation and the target of a lawsuit. Her instincts say something’s out of place, but solving a murder won’t be easy. Maggie still needs to manage her business, the pushy press, and unwanted interest from criminal elements. Controlling chaos is her specialty, but with this killer’s crime wave, Maggie may be left hanging . . . “A skillful amateur detective with an impressive to-do list.” —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW, Address to Die For

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.