The River King

*** 2021 Winner Gold Moonbeam Award: Best Chapter Book Series ***

Three days of camping and fishing with best friends — what could possibly go wrong?

Bobby thought a trip down the Cass River with his three best friends sounded like a great idea. They had a four-day fall break and were looking for an exciting adventure during the Halloween weekend. Just weeks earlier, their science teacher, Mr. Hill, had shown them pictures of a giant northern pike. These huge fish came up out of their deep hiding spots in the fall to feast before the long, cold winter. His pictures showed a fish with razor sharp teeth and a head that looked like a tank. The pike captured the boys’ hearts, and they wanted to experience catching a “River King” too.

As the trip got closer, one thought started to haunt Bobby’s mind. Was he brave enough to spend two nights on a raft without any adults around? The river was wild, uncharted water for the boys. Would they be ready for the surprises and hidden challenges they’d face on it? Before putting their raft in the water to start their adventure, David’s dad reminded the boys of a local ghost story. The boys had heard about the legend of Scratchy but laughed it off as just a good story designed to scare kids. Or, was it?

It was a journey they would never forget. The boys thought it was just the four of them. Not long into it, they learned they weren’t alone. This Halloween would be one that none of them would ever forget — if they survived to tell the tale!