Once inside Canada the family travels by small plane and boat to where the black and grizzly bears live on Princess Royal Island on the west coast. A fifteen year old First Nation girl called Alu greets them and they find large bear claw marks in the mud. A well-worn bear trail beside a salmon run river provides the further clue of several chewed-up salmon, as bears eat just the parts they prefer, and wolves eat their own favourite parts. Gannon loves adventure but wonders who in their right minds would be wandering around in the cold and mud and pouring rain, where grizzlies and wolves like to feast. Wyatt is more analytical and records the weather and temperature with just a whinge about the mosquitoes.

Some of the trees were already 1,000 years old when Columbus discovered the Americas. Clear-cutting of ancient forests is under way in some areas and the boys wish to preserve them. Alu is their guide in bear lore and the team is only armed with a gun that makes a loud bang to scare bears. Some good photos illustrate the journey, including whales. The boys and Alu are concerned that salmon numbers are low and as the fish are a keystone species, other creatures may not have enough food. But scientist Dr. Brezner allays their fears - perhaps a little too easily? Is there something going on that the family is not being told about?

I could have done without Gannon telling us that something was just totally mindblowing. The authors Patti Wheeler and Keith Hemstreet are trying to make the boys come across as distinct personalities. But I agree with the rules they compile: make sure you are properly equipped before starting an adventure! These short books are a fun series with lots of nature and travel, while the boys have to use all their resources to face dangers. GANNON AND WYATT - SPIRIT BEAR RAINFOREST is a good read for young adults and the first in the series won several awards.

Book Summary