First Descent
Age Range: 12 and up
Age Range: 12 and up
Age Range: 12 and up
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$9.99
Published on Feb 11, 2014 | 272 Pages
Published on Feb 11, 2014 | 272 Pages
Montana-born Rex dreams of following in his grandfather’s footsteps and making a first descent down one of the world’s last unconquered wild rivers. When he finally gets enough sponsors, Rex heads to South America to tackle the well-named El Furioso. And while he anticipates the river’s challenges, he finds himself in a situation where the real danger is human.
In Colombia, he hires a guide: seventeen year-old Myriam Calambás, an indígena who has lived along El Furioso all her life. Though she loves its rushing waters, Myriam longs to go to university, become a reporter, and tell the world what is happening to her people. Her dreams, and her very survival, are in the balance when she and Rex become caught up in the clash between the paramilitaries, who work for the rich landowners, and the guerillas, who are supposed to protect the poor.
Pam Withers’ skill at writing about extreme sports is reflected in this compelling novel about an endangered world and a people struggling for their very right to exist.
Author
Pam Withers
Pam Withers is the critically acclaimed author of fifteen best-selling adventure novels for teens, including the award-winning First Descent. Born in Wisconsin and fascinated by the world of extreme sports, she is a former whitewater raft guide, kayak instructor, journalist, editor, and associate publisher. Pam Withers is also co-founder of www.keenreaders.org and co-author of Jump-Starting Boys: Help Your Reluctant Learner Find Success in School and Life. Visit her website at www.pamwithers.com.
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