"Before leaving on a two-month summer vacation, Jake Evans finds a gift from his deceased grandfather that will lead him on a scavenger hunt through ten of America's most rugged, wild, and beautiful parks"--Back cover.

A young boy relates his adventures during the year he spends living alone in the Catskill Mountains including his struggle for survival, his dependence on nature, his animal friends, and his ultimate rce, suffering, and a promise of a new start to his life.

When Lanie Holland, who loves science and nature, starts a wild flower garden to attract butterflies, it brings her into conflict with a neighbor who calls it a "weed garden" that should be replaced and uses pesticides in her own garden.

After camping in Rocky Mountain National Park, Jake and his friends travel to the Great Sand Dunes in southern Colorado. Exploring the heart of the dunes, they stumble upon something both unexpected and dangerous. Through more twists and turns, Jake's friendships and integrity are tested by choices that will demand smarts and courage. The mystery unfolds as Jake, Amber, and Wes learn about survival skills, natural history, integrity, character, and...

Spending the summer with his grandmother on South Carolina's Dewees Island, eleven-year-old Jake finds two friends who are also struggling with family issues and together they try to save a sea turtle nest from predators.