The Canyon's Edge

**"The Canyon's Edge"** by Dusti Bowling is a poignant and gripping novel in verse that powerfully captures a young girl's journey of survival and self-discovery after a tragic event has upended her life. One year after a random shooting has shattered her family, Nora and her father embark on a climbing trip deep in an Arizona slot canyon, hoping that the isolation will help them heal from their grief. As Nora grapples with the painful memories of her mother and struggles with her father’s growing fear of the outside world, their adventure takes a terrifying turn when a flash flood sweeps her father away, leaving Nora alone in the harsh desert landscape.Faced with the elements and her own inner demons, Nora must confront not only the physical challenges of surviving in the unforgiving wilderness—like dehydration and dangerous wildlife—but also the haunting presence of a "Beast" that symbolizes her fears and grief. Through her harrowing journey, Bowling weaves themes of resilience, courage, and the struggle to reclaim one's life after loss. "The Canyon's Edge" is an emotionally resonant exploration of survival and personal growth that will inspire readers to find strength in their darkest moments, making it a compelling read for anyone seeking a heartfelt story of overcoming adversity.

I absolutely loved this book. I actually read it initially after borrowing it from the library but loved it so much I purchased a copy for my classmate. It's a harrowing tale that is well told and the prose just makes it that much more interesting. I don't typically pick up poetry to read leisurely but this one didn't feel like the typical poem. I also loved how words are used to show motions of things happening.Added bonus - this book is so good that it caught one of my most reluctant readers in class and he can't put it down.An incredible book - highly recommend to all - even adults.

A little ripped ):

This book was well-written. I rather enjoyed the verse sprinkled throughout. This is a great book for kids and adults.

I teach 8th grade and my students have really enjoyed the narrator’s journey. Great short poems that are easy to understand, suspense keeps the kids reading, and she faces struggles that are conquered in the end. More of a “girls” read but can be enjoyed by a variety of readers.

Oh did I love this Dusti Bowling book and a novel in verse at that!!! Nora's wonderful family has been ripped apart by a random restaurant shooting. As a way to escape their grief and celebrate rock climbing they did as a family, Nora and her Dad explore a canyon but little do they know, they did not prepare for a flash flood to whisk them apart! As Nora tries to find her father she battles scorpions, snakes, poisonings, and even her psychological torment known as the Beast that plagued her after her mother's death. I could not put this book down, I loved the spare yet spine tingling suspense of the language as Nora desperately looks for her father. Nora's journey makes her stronger, makes her want to reconcile with her best friend, return to school and live life like before, will she be able to survive and achieve this. This is a middle school book but YA would love this book as well! A must read!

A wonderful story about a teen girl coping with trauma and loss. A lesson in managing love received from those that are struggling with trauma and loss themselves. Loved that this book was a quick read. Perfect for middle schoolers reluctant to pick up a book.

Good book